Recipe - Layered Pasta and Veggie Bake

Healthy Layered Pasta Veggie Bake Recipe

A deliciously different take on white lasagna, with little (or no) cheese and big on veggies.

You won't miss the meat in this healthy, hearty and satisfying meal-in-one.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) box brown rice lasagna noodles

• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 pound yellow squash (about 3), chopped

• 2 yellow onions, chopped

• 1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano and parsley, divided, plus more for garnish

• 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk

• 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, such as navy or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15-ounce) tub part-skim ricotta cheese (or make your own tofu ricotta)

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli, thawed

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture

• 1 large tomato, diced

Method

• Cook noodles per package instructions. Rinse in cold water after draining and spread out in a single layer to prevent sticking. Set aside.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Heat broth in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add garlic, squash, onions and 1/2 cup of the herbs and cook, stirring often, until liquid has evaporated, 20 to 25 minutes.

• Meanwhile, in a food processor, purée almond milk, beans and ricotta until smooth; transfer to a bowl and set aside.

• In a 9-x13-inch baking dish (this recipe makes a very full pan, so make sure your dish is at least 2 inches deep), layer lasagna as follows, scattering remaining herbs in between layers: ricotta mixture, noodles, broccoli and spinach, noodles, squash mixture, noodles, ricotta mixture.

• Top with tomato and bake, uncovered, until hot throughout, about 45 minutes; set aside to let rest 15 minutes.

• Cut into squares, garnish with fresh herbs and serve.