One Pot Lentil Pasta With Marinara (minimal effort)

As a holistic health coach, I know just how important it is to consume nourishing, wholesome foods. On the other hand (as a busy mom with not a whole lot of time), I know how important it is to make nourishing food not just nutritious and delicious but also easy (and quick).

When it comes to weeknight dinners, what I need is something quick and easy. Something that requires minimal effort. This one pot pasta is just that. It’s both delicious and nutritious but it’s also easy to prep. No chopping of vegetables required. No homemade sauces are necessary. You just toss everything into a pan, cover and let it cook. The best part is that there is minimal cleanup.

I love this recipe because it contains essential fiber, protein and healthy fats. This makes it a well balanced meal which is essential for feeling your best.

For this recipe I used a jarred marinara. I always make sure to choose a jarred marinara that is clean. One that is made without added sugar, with organic ingredients, with olive oil and no processed seed oils and real ingredients. Your marinara should only contain real herbs like basil and oregano as opposed to “natural flavors”.

What you need (serves 4-6):

1 tbsp cooking oil
1 12 oz box of uncooked pasta (I used an organic brown rice pasta)
1/2 cup dried red lentils (rinsed)
1/3 cup canned coconut milk (no guar) or other plant milk/cream
1 25 oz jar of marinara sauce
A few pinches of salt (or to taste)
A pinch of fresh ground black pepper
2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
Optional add ins: spinach or kale, peas, diced zucchini

Directions: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients including your add ins. Stir. Cover and lower the heat to a low heat setting. Cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked all the way, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and uncover. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Love this one? Then you need to try my creamy kale and sun-dried tomato pasta here.