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Tuscan Pasta Bake with Cavolo Nero
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Tuscan Pasta Bake Recipe with Cavolo Nero by Lizzie King

Not only does this pasta bake recipe have bags of flavour, by using quinoa pasta you’re adding more goodness and protein to your bowl and the dark leafy greens pack an almighty antioxidant, calcium and iron punch. An energy-filled, immune-boosting bowl of cosy pasta is a win-win.

It’s never hard to rustle up a pasta dish, but this has the added joy of being perfect for making ahead, so it’s a great crowd-feeding number.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 sage leaves, finely chopped
250g quinoa fusilli pasta
8 rashers of streaky bacon, chopped or 1 cup (200g)
Pancetta (optional)
2 × 400g tins plum tomatoes
125ml (½ cup) chicken or
Vegetable stock, or water
5 cavolo nero leaves, thinly sliced
3 tbsp coconut yoghurt or cream (optional)
½ cup (50g) grated Cheddar (or dairy-free) cheese
Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion, garlic and sage over medium heat for a couple of minutes.
2. At this point, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions but take it off the heat a couple of minutes before its time is up (it will cook more in the oven). Drain well.
3. Turn up the heat under the casserole and add the bacon, if using. Stir and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the bacon is browned.
4. Add the tomatoes and stock, crushing them as you stir with the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Bring to the boil, rinse out the tins with a splash of water and add that to the pan too. If you’re not using bacon, season with salt and a big grind of black pepper.
6. Reduce the heat to medium–low and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the cavolo nero leaves and simmer for a further 2–3 minutes.
8. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix really well. For a creamy version, add the coconut yoghurt or cream at this stage, and stir through. Top with the cheese.
9. At this point, you could cover and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pasta has crisp edges.

RECIPE BY LIZZIE KING FROM LIZZIE LOVES HEALTHY FAMILY FOOD

Lizzie King. Lizzie King is a busy mum of three and understands the challenges of fuelling a family while keeping them healthy. Lack of time, fussy eaters and weaning can make ready meals seem so tempting but Lizzie Loves Healthy Family Food is here to help. help. Every recipe is bursting with flavour and all the vitamins and minerals you and your children need to stay healthy. Every meal is quick and easy to make and is a proven hit with adults and the kids.

Lizzie Loves Healthy Family Food: Delicious and Nutritious Meals You’ll All Enjoy by Lizzie King is published as a hardback and eBook by Trapeze. Buy your copy on Amazon.

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