15-Minute Lentil One Pot Pasta (Vegan & Healthy!)

Vegan Lentil One Pot Pasta: The Ultimate 15-Minute Dinner

When you need a healthy weeknight dinner that’s faster than takeout and requires only one pot, this Vegan Lentil One Pot Pasta is your perfect solution. This genius recipe cooks spaghetti directly in a savory tomato broth with vegetables, creating its own delicious sauce while infusing the pasta with flavor. The addition of protein-packed lentils makes it a satisfying meatless meal that’s also incredibly budget-friendly. It’s the ultimate easy family recipe for busy nights, requiring minimal effort and cleanup for maximum reward.

Why This Recipe Solves the Weeknight Dinner Dilemma

This dish is a true weeknight hero for three key reasons: speed, nutrition, and simplicity. By cooking everything in one pot, you develop deep flavor while saving time and dishes. The green lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, providing the protein and fiber usually found in meat, making this a complete and hearty vegan meal. Best of all, it’s a foolproof recipe that comes together with pantry staples, proving that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Simple Swaps to Make It Your Own

This versatile pasta is a fantastic canvas for customization. Make it your own with these easy ideas:

• Switch the Pasta: Use linguine, bucatini, or any other long pasta you have on hand.
• Change the Protein: Swap lentils for a can of drained chickpeas or white beans.
• Boost the Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or chopped zucchini with the lentils.
• Adjust the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried herbs for a spicy kick, or stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami finish.

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 ½ cups (600ml) vegetable broth
• 1 (14 oz / 400g) can chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or dried oregano)
• 4.5 oz (125g) cooked green lentils (from a can or pouch), drained and rinsed
• 15-20 pitted black olives, sliced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Part 1: The One-Pot Simmer

1. Combine in the Pot: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine the uncooked spaghetti, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, chopped red pepper, basil leaves, and dried herbs. Gently press the pasta down to ensure it’s mostly submerged.
2. Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3. Simmer Until Cooked: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a lively simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently and turning the pasta with tongs to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.

Part 2: Finish & Serve

4. Add Lentils & Olives: Stir in the drained lentils and olives (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
5. Season & Garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The broth and canned tomatoes usually provide enough salt, so taste first.
6. Serve Immediately: Divide among bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.

Maria Canilssom

Vegan Tomato Basil Lentil One Pot Pasta

This easy Vegan Lentil One Pot Pasta is ready in 15 minutes! Packed with protein, it’s the ultimate healthy, budget-friendly weeknight dinner the whole family will love. For more quick one-pot meals, try our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta or our Pumpkin Chili. This pasta is a perfect fast family meal, similar to the Tomato, Basil & Lentil One Pot Pasta from My Fussy Eater.

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10.5 oz (300g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2.5 cups (600ml) vegetable broth
• 1 can (14oz/400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 leaves fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 4.5 oz (125g) cooked green lentils, drained
• 15 pitted black olives, sliced (optional)

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet Essential for one-pot cooking.
• tongs For stirring and turning the pasta.

Method

 

1. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, combine the uncooked spaghetti, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, chopped red pepper, basil leaves, and dried herbs. The pasta may not be fully submerged at first.
2. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This should take 3-4 minutes.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring and turning the pasta with tongs every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in the drained lentils and sliced olives (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat the lentils through.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The broth and tomatoes often provide enough salt.
6. Divide the pasta among bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best results, use a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven to give the pasta plenty of room to cook evenly. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the liquid absorbs too quickly before the pasta is tender, add a splash more vegetable broth or water. Using canned or pre-cooked lentils is key for the 15-minute cook time—don’t use uncooked lentils. This dish is best served immediately, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

For more quick and healthy one-pot meals, try our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta or our Pumpkin Chili. If you’re exploring more plant-based dinners, our Easy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is a cozy favorite. This pasta is a perfect example of a nutritious, fast family meal, similar to the approachable Tomato, Basil & Lentil One Pot Pasta from My Fussy Eater, which focuses on simple, crowd-pleasing recipes.