This Vegetable Pasta Bake is a delicious, cozy dish filled with roasted vegetables and perfectly melted cheese. The combination of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes gives it a hearty and savory flavor, while the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can swap in any of your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies while enjoying a comforting, cheesy pasta bake!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or similar)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 red onion, chopped
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
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Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture and toss together. Transfer to a baking dish.
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Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Vegetable Pasta Bake is a Must-Try
Vegetable pasta bake combines the best of both worlds—cheesy pasta and healthy vegetables. The creaminess of the sauce and the gooey cheese topping make this a cozy meal, while the mix of vibrant vegetables provides essential nutrients and a burst of color. The combination of red onion, bell peppers, courgettes (zucchini), and spinach makes the dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
What makes this dish even better is how versatile it is. The ingredients can be swapped out based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. You can use different vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. You can also switch up the pasta shape, choosing any large shape like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. This dish is also incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
The Key Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
The beauty of this vegetable pasta bake lies in the variety of ingredients that come together to create a balanced, mouthwatering meal. The pasta serves as the hearty base, holding the creamy sauce and vegetables together. The sauce itself is rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of acidity from the tomatoes and the richness of the cream, which helps round out the flavors. The cheeses—strong cheddar and mozzarella—offer both flavor and texture, giving the dish a delicious golden, cheesy crust.
The vegetables are the star of the show, offering a range of flavors and textures. The red onion adds sweetness, while the bell peppers contribute a bit of crunch and vibrant color. The courgette (zucchini) has a mild, tender texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly. Spinach is a great addition, providing not only a pop of green but also a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals.
How to Make Vegetable Pasta Bake: Easy and Straightforward
Making vegetable pasta bake is a relatively simple process, but it results in a flavorful and comforting dish. First, you cook the pasta until it’s just underdone, as it will cook further in the oven and absorb some of the sauce. Then, sauté the vegetables until softened, adding garlic, herbs, and tomato paste to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
The tomato base is enriched with cream, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats both the vegetables and pasta. Once the pasta and vegetables are combined, transfer them to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and rich in flavor.
Making It Ahead: A Time-Saving Solution
If you’re looking to make the dish ahead of time, you’re in luck! Vegetable pasta bake can be assembled up to the point of adding the cheese and refrigerated for up to a day. This makes it an excellent dish for busy families or anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure it cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can also freeze the assembled dish for future use, which is a great option for meal prepping.
When reheating, the dish might be a little less saucy as the pasta absorbs the liquid, but this can be easily fixed by adding a bit of stock or hot water to the sauce before reheating. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven until it’s hot throughout. The result will be just as comforting as when it was first made.
Swaps and Additions: Make It Your Own
This vegetable pasta bake is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with the vegetables you use. If you’re looking to add more greens, consider swapping in tenderstem broccoli or asparagus tips. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture, while peas, sweetcorn, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra sweetness. The options are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your liking.
The beauty of vegetable pasta bake is that it can be modified based on what you have in your fridge or what’s in season. This makes it an excellent recipe to have in your repertoire, as you can adapt it to suit any occasion.
A Perfect Comfort Food for the Whole Family
Vegetable pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food—warm, cheesy, and hearty. It’s a great option for family meals, potlucks, or cozy dinners. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this dish will surely become a household favorite. The fact that it’s both delicious and nutritious makes it an excellent way to get your vegetables in without compromising on taste.
The Health Benefits of Vegetable Pasta Bake
While comfort food often gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy, vegetable pasta bake offers a healthier twist. The vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health, while the addition of spinach provides a good dose of iron. The creamy sauce and cheese add richness and flavor, but you can also adjust the amount of cheese to suit your dietary needs.
By including a variety of vegetables in the dish, you’re getting a balanced mix of nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. This makes vegetable pasta bake a filling and satisfying meal that provides lasting energy and keeps you feeling full for hours.
Conclusion: A Dish for Every Occasion
Vegetable pasta bake is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful vegetables, and melty cheese is irresistible, making it a comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying.
The recipe is simple yet flavorful, and it allows for plenty of customization. You can swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand, and you can even make the dish ahead of time to save time in the kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and hearty pasta, vegetable pasta bake is bound to become a go-to dish in your meal planning rotation.
In conclusion, vegetable pasta bake isn’t just for vegetarians—it’s a meal that everyone will love, whether they’re a meat-eater or not. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be made ahead of time make it a winner for busy households. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor. Give this vegetable pasta bake a try, and you’re sure to enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal.