Vegetable and Chickpea Bake Noodle Casserole

This Vegetable and Chickpea Bake Noodle Casserole is a hearty and wholesome dish, perfect for a late-night meal. Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and chickpeas, it's a comforting, protein-packed delight that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 200 grams
• Canned chickpeas - 1 cup (240 grams), drained and rinsed
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Spinach - 1 cup, chopped
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 1 cup (240 ml)
• Tomato sauce - 1 cup (240 ml)
• Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Grated mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup (60 grams)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped spinach, drained chickpeas, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your casserole warm!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas, promoting muscle health.
• Loaded with fiber from vegetables and whole wheat pasta, aiding digestion and satiety.

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