Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bake

$- 300g penne pasta - 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, spinach) - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Pasta is the star of this dish. I love penne for its shape, which holds sauce well. The mixed vegetables add color and flavor. You can use bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. They all work great! Marinara sauce gives the bake a rich taste. Ricotta cheese makes it creamy and smooth. I also like to add mozzarella for that gooey, melty goodness. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nice salty finish. For seasoning, minced garlic brings a lovely aroma. Oregano and basil add depth. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. Olive oil is essential for cooking the veggies and adding richness. Top it off with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is simple yet full of taste. You can mix and match the ingredients to suit your family's taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). - Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package. This step is key. Cooking the pasta just right helps it hold its shape in the bake. Al dente means the pasta is firm when you bite it. If you overcook it, it will turn mushy in the oven. So set a timer and keep an eye on it. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps your veggies cook evenly. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic. Stir for about one minute until it smells amazing. Next, toss in your mixed vegetables. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. Cook them for 5-7 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still crisp. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This adds depth to the dish. - Mix cooked pasta with vegetables, marinara, and cheeses. - Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed veggies. Then add marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well mixed. This is where all the flavors come together. Once combined, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan. This will create a delicious golden crust when baked. - Ensuring pasta is al dente before baking: Cook the penne pasta just right. You want it firm, not mushy. Follow the package time but check a minute early. This helps the pasta hold up during baking. Overcooked pasta turns soft and soggy, so stay alert! - How to sauté vegetables for optimal flavor: Use a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic first for a fragrant base. Cook for one minute, then add your mixed vegetables. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still bright. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for full flavor. - Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese works well if you want a lighter option. It gives a nice texture and adds protein. Blend it a bit for a smoother feel. - Alternative cheeses for topping: Try different cheeses on top! Cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Feta crumbles bring a salty touch. Goat cheese can create a creamy finish. Mix and match your favorites! - Additional herbs you can use: Fresh herbs can make a big difference. Try parsley for freshness. Thyme adds earthiness. You can even use a bit of rosemary for a bold taste. Fresh herbs bring brightness to your dish. - Adding spices for extra kick: Spice things up! A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. A dash of paprika adds depth. Experiment with your favorite spices to create a unique flavor profile. Pro Tips Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your pasta bake. Try to use seasonal produce for the best results. Mix Up the Cheese: For a more complex flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese such as Gouda or cheddar along with mozzarella and Parmesan. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the pasta bake a day in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the fridge, then bake it when ready to serve. Experiment with Sauces: While marinara sauce works great, feel free to experiment with other sauces like Alfredo or pesto to give your bake a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can make your vegetable pasta bake even heartier by adding protein. If you enjoy chicken, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken. It blends nicely with the pasta and veggies. For a meat-free option, tofu works great too. Just cube it and sauté it with your vegetables. Legumes are another excellent choice. Chickpeas or black beans add texture and protein. Mix them into your pasta bake for a filling meal. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds a unique taste. If you're looking for gluten-free options, you're in luck! Many stores sell gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice, corn, or lentils. They cook like regular pasta and fit right into this dish. You can also make your own gluten-free pasta. A simple blend of rice flour and tapioca can work wonders. Just mix the flours with water and knead until smooth. Roll it out and cut it to your liking. For those who want a vegan dish, there are tasty dairy-free cheese options. Look for brands that offer plant-based mozzarella. It melts well and gives that creamy texture we all love. If you're missing ricotta cheese, try a mix of blended tofu and nutritional yeast. This combination creates a creamy layer that mimics ricotta. Add some lemon juice for a zesty kick. To keep your vegetable pasta bake fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container. It is best to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. If you have a large portion, cut it into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to store and reheat. You can reheat your pasta bake in two ways: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is warm all the way through. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute at a time. Stir in between to ensure even heating. To keep the pasta bake from drying out, add a splash of marinara sauce or water. Yes, you can freeze vegetable pasta bake! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven as mentioned above. You can also reheat it straight from the freezer. Just add extra time to the heating process. Enjoy your baked dish even days later! Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Penne works well, but rotini or fusilli are great, too. They hold sauce nicely. You can even try gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. This bake lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies. Broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms can add great flavors. If you like more greens, try kale or chard. Just remember to chop them into small, even pieces for even cooking. Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Assemble the dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This blog post shared steps to create a delicious vegetable pasta bake. You learned about the key ingredients, from penne pasta to rich cheeses. I provided tips for cooking, storage, and variations for diet needs. Now you can make this dish your own with added proteins or spices. Enjoy the process and share your results. A tasty meal can brighten your day, so let it!$

A delicious baked pasta dish loaded with cheese and mixed vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

300 g penne pasta
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand.

Keyword bake, pasta, vegetarian