In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.

Incorporate mixed Italian herbs and green or brown lentils into the pot, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Stir in chopped or whole canned tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes.

Add your dried pasta and enough water—about 1.5 times the amount of the tomato can—into the pot.

Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring regularly until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese.

Scoop generous portions of your One Pot Pasta with Cheesy Lentil Sauce into bowls while hot.