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Creamy Cheesy Lentil Pasta Bake

creamy cheesy lentil pasta bake - featured image
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A hearty and comforting pasta bake with creamy cheese, roasted tomatoes, and protein-packed lentils. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup (200 g) dried lentils, rinsed and cooked (or canned lentils, drained)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (90 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and half of the shredded mozzarella. This creates the creamy base for the dish.
  7. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the tomato-lentil sauce, and half of the cream mixture. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cream. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.’, ‘Season in layers to build flavor.’, ‘Shred your own cheese for better melting and creamier texture.’, ‘Let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set.’, ‘Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes after baking for a crispier top.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, cheesy pasta, lentil recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-cheesy-lentil-pasta-bake-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/