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Vegetarian Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 140 reviews

This Vegetarian Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish packed with fresh vegetables and melted cheeses, perfect for a family-friendly dinner. Featuring penne pasta baked with sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach in a spiced tomato sauce, then topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that can be customized to suit gluten-free diets or enriched with creamy additions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g penne pasta

Vegetables & Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheeses & Garnish

  • 150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 80g parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until just slightly under al dente, which provides a better texture after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are lightly golden and tender.
  5. Add Spinach: Stir fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until it wilts, which usually takes 1-2 minutes.
  6. Prepare Sauce: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, then add dried oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, allowing flavors to meld.
  7. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Mix the cooked penne pasta thoroughly into the vegetable sauce in the skillet, ensuring all pasta is coated well. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden and lightly crispy.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish the pasta bake with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
  • Roasting the vegetables beforehand enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
  • For a richer version, add ricotta or cream to the sauce before baking.
  • Gluten-free pasta can easily substitute regular pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Leftovers store well and the flavors often develop further, making for a tastier next-day meal.

Keywords: vegetarian pasta bake, baked penne, cheesy pasta bake, vegetable pasta casserole, Italian vegetarian recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/vegetarian-pasta-bake-recipe/