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creamy lentil tomato pasta bake recipe

Creamy Lentil Tomato Pasta Bake

Zac A., a passionate food creator, smiling while preparing a fresh homemade dish in a cozy kitchen.Zac A.
This Creamy Lentil Tomato Pasta Bake combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the hearty texture of lentils. It's a high-protein, vegetarian dish perfect for any comfort food lover.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 portions
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for cooking pasta
  • 1 Skillet for sautéing
  • 1 Baking Dish 9x13 inches

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils rinsed
  • 8 oz pasta such as penne
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook lentils according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot, cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Assembly

  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, pasta, sautéed onion and garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving

  • Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use full-fat cream for the best texture. Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent overcooking. Experiment with different pasta shapes for varied texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the pasta bake up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Keyword creamy lentil tomato pasta bake, high protein casserole, vegetarian pasta bake