Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe for Busy Nights

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by Emma Taylor

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Imagine a bubbling dish of Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake emerging from your oven, its cheesy crust crackling like music to your ears. The aroma wafts around your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, promising comfort in every bite.

Jump to:

Now picture yourself at the end of a long day, craving something warm and satisfying that doesn’t require a culinary degree to whip up. This is where our Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake saves the day. It’s like a superhero in the world of weeknight dinners—a true lifesaver!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake is incredibly simple to prepare; you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard even if your last creation was toast.
  • The explosion of flavors will surprise everyone at the dinner table, making it a crowd-pleaser.
  • Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes—perfect for impressing guests or just brightening up your weeknight meals.
  • Plus, you can customize it with whatever veggies you have lying around; it’s as versatile as your favorite pair of sweatpants.

My kids devoured this dish during our last family movie night—it was gone faster than popcorn!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: I prefer using penne or fusilli since they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
  • Mixed Vegetables: Use fresh or frozen veggies; bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach are my favorites for color and taste.
  • Marinara Sauce: Opt for a good quality sauce; it sets the base flavor and can make all the difference.
  • Cheese: A mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan adds gooeyness and richness that makes this bake irresistible.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over vegetables before roasting; it enhances their natural sweetness.
  • Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme gives this dish an aromatic lift you won’t forget.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, you’ll have time to prep everything else.

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a pot and cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions; don’t forget to salt that water!

Prepare Your Veggies: Chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

Roast Those Veggies: Spread veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with roasted vegetables and marinara sauce until evenly coated.

Add Cheese & Bake: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Now sit back while it bakes! You might want to keep an eye on it—the smell will have everyone congregating in the kitchen!

Enjoy this Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake straight from the oven or let it cool slightly for serving later; leftovers are just as delightful!

You Must Know

  • Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • It’s customizable with any veggies you have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
  • The aroma of baking pasta mingling with cheese is simply irresistible and will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente while chopping your veggies. Sauté them until soft, then mix everything in a baking dish with sauce and cheese.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. Add spices like oregano or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a creamier texture, add ricotta cheese before baking.
  • Don’t skip the cheese topping; it creates a delicious golden crust.
  • Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.

Memories of family gatherings flood back when I prepare this dish; everyone raves about it, especially my picky nephew who gobbles it down without hesitation.

FAQs

FAQ

What vegetables can I use in Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake?

You can use any seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces and cheeses are gluten-free certified.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake Dish

Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake


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  • Author: Emma Taylor
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Savor this Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake, a cheesy, colorful dish that combines your favorite veggies with pasta for a comforting meal ready in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, spinach)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. Chop the mixed vegetables and toss them with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until tender.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted veggies, and marinara sauce until well mixed.
  6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
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