Veggie Pasta Bake
Veggie Pasta Bake is a tasty and nutritious dish that brings together vibrant vegetables and wholesome pasta in a comforting, cheesy casserole. This hearty meal is perfect for families and makes for delightful leftovers. With minimal preparation time, you’ll find it easy to create a vibrant, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
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This Veggie Pasta Bake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and savory pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s an excellent way to sneak in more nutrients for kids and adults alike. This dish is also versatile, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegetarian, so it fits many dietary preferences.
How to Make Veggie Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (about 340g) whole wheat or regular penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce mixture, then pour it into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Veggie Pasta Bake
Serve your Veggie Pasta Bake warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For extra flavor, consider sprinkling additional fresh basil or Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish also works well for meal prep as it can be easily reheated.
How to Store Veggie Pasta Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If freezing, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Veggie Pasta Bake Perfect
- Choose a mix of colorful vegetables for a more visually appealing dish.
- Cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as fontina or goat cheese, for added richness.
- Add spices or red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you enjoy spicy food.
Flavor Variations
While this Veggie Pasta Bake is delicious as is, feel free to get creative. Add cooked chicken or turkey bacon for a protein boost. For an Earthy flavor, toss in some mushrooms. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half the cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta. You can also swap marinara for pesto for a new twist.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and nutritional value. Frozen vegetables can also work well; just ensure they are thawed and drained beforehand.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If the pasta looks overloaded, use two smaller dishes instead.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before baking; every vegetable has a different flavor profile that may require more salt or spice.
FAQs About Veggie Pasta Bake
1. Can I make Veggie Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be assembled a day in advance. Simply prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to your baking time.
2. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, any short pasta like rotini or fusili will work just as well. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
3. How can I make this dish vegan?
You can easily make this Veggie Pasta Bake vegan by using plant-based cheese alternatives and substituting marinara with a homemade sauce made from pureed tomatoes. Additionally, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
Veggie Pasta Bake is a simple, satisfying dish that brings together healthy ingredients in a delicious way. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. With its versatility and easy preparation, this veggie-packed casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, colorful bite!
Veggie Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce mixture, then pour it into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.