Cheesy vegetable pasta bake is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines a medley of fresh vegetables, pasta, and rich, melted cheese. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing option for potlucks. Packed with veggies and cheesy goodness, it’s a family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup spinach or kale
- ½ cup corn or peas
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables. Add the marinara sauce and toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
- If you like a crispy cheese top, you can broil the pasta bake for the last 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.