Name: Black Bean and Corn Pasta Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 avocado, diced, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Combine with beans and seasonings

To the skillet, add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with pasta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the bean and vegetable mixture. Add the fresh cilantro and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
Assemble and bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly crisp.
Serve

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and diced avocado. Serve hot with a side salad or warm tortilla chips if desired.

Black Bean and Corn Pasta Bake

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information