Plant Powered One Pot Pasta

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

8 oz mushrooms, chopped

2 medium carrots, shredded

1 small zucchini or yellow squash, shredded

1 cup dried red lentils

3 cups vegetable broth

24 oz marinara or tomato-based sauce of choice

8 oz pasta of choice

1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

Serves: 8

Heat medium-large pot on low. Add oil. Once heated, add diced onion and mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 7-8 minutes.

Add shredded carrot and zucchini and sauté until tender, about 7-8 minutes.

Add seasonings, red lentils, marinara sauce, broth and stir until well combined. Increase heat slightly to bring to a simmer for 1 minute.

Return heat to low, cover pot and cook for about 25 minutes. Stir about every 5-7 minutes to avoid any sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serve with optional toppings of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil and shredded cheese of choice.