Vegetable and Chickpea Noodle Bake Casserole

This Vegetable and Chickpea Noodle Bake Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a late-night meal, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, all baked together in a cheesy, savory sauce.

Vegetable and Chickpea Noodle Bake Casserole
45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (penne or fusilli) - 120 grams
  • Chickpeas (cooked, canned) - 240 grams, drained and rinsed
  • Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
  • Bell pepper (any color) - 1 medium, diced
  • Carrot - 1 medium, grated
  • Spinach (fresh) - 50 grams
  • Onion - 1 small, chopped
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - ½ teaspoon
  • Black pepper - ¼ teaspoon
  • Tomato sauce - 240 milliliters
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded) - 100 grams
  • Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and grated carrot to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in the chickpeas, fresh spinach, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetable and chickpea mixture, and tomato sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  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.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Carbs: 60 g
  • Fiber: 15 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas.
  • High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

Tags

AmericanHalalMidnight