Ingredients
– 2 cups uncooked pasta (your choice)
– 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Making Creamy Lentil Pasta Bake is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the cooked lentils and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in Broth and Cream: Add the vegetable broth and cream to the skillet, stirring until everything is well mixed.
6. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the lentil mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Garnish and Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
These steps will result in a Creamy Lentil Pasta Bake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 18g