Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake brings a cozy, comforting vibe to your dinner table, packed with colorful peppers, tender zucchini ribbons, and sweet cherry tomatoes folded into perfectly cooked penne. A creamy béchamel made with plant based milk, garlic, and herbs adds silky richness, while a splash of balsamic vinegar and veggie broth brightens every bite. As it bakes, the cheese turns golden and bubbly, creating crispy edges and melty, gooey pulls. Easy to assemble and simple to customize, Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake turns busy weeknights into a warm, feel good celebration of flavor and color.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
- It’s a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with colorful veggies for a nutritious boost.
- Cheesy, comforting goodness that the whole family will adore.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta and seasonal vegetables.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set aside for later.
- In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious and healthy Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake!
- 300g pasta – penne or fusilli
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 onion – chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 red bell pepper – chopped
- 1 zucchini – sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
- 1 cup spinach – roughly chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce – your favorite brand
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for flavor
- 1 tsp dried basil – for flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – for extra flavor
How to Make Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
This Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings together fresh veggies and pasta in a cheesy, comforting bake. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time. After baking, let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Veggies
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm and cheesy |
Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
- Opt for whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Mix in seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavors.
- Top with a blend of cheeses for a deliciously gooey finish.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
How to Serve this Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
- Serve with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
- Top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Enjoy alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Offer a side of marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake with ease:
Storing Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil to retain moisture while reheating.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What vegetables go well in a pasta bake?
You can use a variety of vegetables in your pasta bake! Some popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The key is to choose vegetables that will hold up well during baking and add a burst of flavor to your dish.
2. Do you need to pre-cook vegetables for pasta bake?
In most cases, you don’t need to pre-cook your vegetables for a pasta bake. However, if you’re using denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes, it’s a good idea to give them a quick steam or sauté to ensure they cook through in the oven. Softer vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be added raw, as they will cook perfectly while baking.
3. What can I put in a pasta bake easy?
For an easy pasta bake, you can include cooked pasta, your choice of vegetables, a protein like beans or lentils, and a sauce such as marinara or a creamy cheese sauce. Top it off with cheese for a deliciously gooey finish. The beauty of a pasta bake is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
4. Do I have to boil pasta before baking?
No, you don’t have to boil the pasta before baking! You can use uncooked pasta in your bake, just make sure to add enough liquid (like sauce or broth) to help it cook through in the oven. This method saves time and makes the dish even easier to prepare. Just keep an eye on the baking time to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake as we are! It’s a delightful dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. With its simple ingredients and heartwarming flavors, it’s a rewarding way to enjoy a healthy weeknight meal. So grab your favorite veggies, and let the baking begin!