Description
Healthy, rich, and herbaceous, this oil-free Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells dish is total pasta heaven.
Ingredients
Scale
Skillet Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, fine dice
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms (optional) *
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 – [ 8 oz. can ] tomato sauce
- 1 – [ 14 oz. can ] petite diced tomatoes
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth *
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon reduced sodium tamari *
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda *
Spice/Herb Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onions
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried crushed thyme leaves *
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon sea salt *
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 – [ 14 oz. can ] brown lentils, drained and rinsed *
- 8 to 12 oz. jumbo pasta shells (or pasta of choice) *
- ¼ cup (2/3 oz.) fresh basil, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Freshly chopped basil
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large stock pot full of water. Add some sea salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil then add the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check package directions on cooking times and/or boil the pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water to remove any excess starch, shake well, set aside.
- Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients into a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
- In a large ceramic/enamel lined skillet (or similarly large nonstick skillet) add the finely diced onions, sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes until tender. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent overbrowning or burning.
- If adding mushrooms, add now with a splash of water, sauté for several minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Then add all the remaining Skillet Ingredients except the baking soda, stir well to combine.
- Add the Spice/Herb Mix, stir well. Bring to a boil, then immediately lower to a simmer. Add the baking soda, stir to combine. Continue to simmer for 7 minutes.
- After 7 minutes, add the lentils, cooked pasta and freshly chopped basil. Stir to combine. Simmer for several minutes, then remove from the stove and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve topped with freshly chopped parsley and/or Vegan Parmesan Cheese.
Notes
*Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.
*Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
*Serving: 4 to 5