Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells

Name: Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 *; 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); 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; Freshly chopped basil; Vegan Parmesan Cheese