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Pasta al Forno con Ricotta e Lenticchie (Baked Pasta with Ricotta and Lentils)

Italian1 hour 15 minutes
Punchline

Elevate your dinner game with this hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for any night!

ingredients
pasta300grams
ricotta250grams
lentils150grams
tomato sauce400gram
onion1
garlic2cloves
olive oil2tablespoon
mozzarella150grams
basilfresh to taste
saltto taste
pepperto taste
instructions
    1

    Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

    2

    In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

    3

    Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    4

    Stir in 150 grams of lentils and 400 grams of tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    5

    Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

    6

    While the lentils are cooking, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 300 grams of pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    7

    In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the lentil sauce and 250 grams of ricotta. Stir until well combined.

    8

    Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

    9

    Top the dish with 150 grams of shredded mozzarella and some fresh basil leaves.

    10

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

    11

    Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil if desired.

Servings

4

How to be creative
  • Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition.
  • Try different types of pasta, like penne or shells, for a new twist on the texture.
  • Incorporate some pesto into the ricotta mixture for a fragrant herby flavor.
Important Tips
  • To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • If you like a cheesy crust, add more mozzarella or mix in some parmesan before baking.
  • Use fresh herbs to elevate the dish; pots of basil or parsley on your windowsill can provide fresh seasoning.
nutritions
  • fat: 15 grams
  • fiber: 10 grams
  • protein: 20 grams
  • calories: 450
  • carbohydrates: 60 grams
Health impact

This dish is rich in protein from the ricotta and lentils and fiber from the lentils and pasta, making it a well-rounded meal that supports gut health while keeping you satisfied.