Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome veggies and cheesy goodness that even the most dedicated meat-eaters will enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying, or for those family gatherings where everyone is looking for something delicious to share.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dish that fills your home with warmth and flavor. So grab your favorite pasta shape and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish allows you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
• Packed with Veggies: This bake is loaded with colorful vegetables, making it a nutritious option that’s full of flavor.
• Family Favorite: The combination of creamy sauce and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that appeals to all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven for an effortless dinner solution any night of the week!
• Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize it with any seasonal vegetables or cheese types you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! For this Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe, you’ll need some vibrant veggies along with pasta and creamy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta Bake

• 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta shapes (I used rigatoni)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large red onion (peeled and chopped into wedges)
• 1 red bell pepper (de-seeded and chopped into large chunks)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (de-seeded and chopped into large chunks)
• 1 large or 2 small courgette (zucchini) chopped into chunks
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
• 1 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) tinned chopped tomatoes
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) double (heavy) cream
• 100 g (3 packed cups) fresh baby spinach
• 100 g (1 cup) strong cheddar cheese (grated)
• 100 g (1 cup) mozzarella (grated)
• small bunch parsley (roughly torn)

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegetable Pasta Bake is its versatility! You can easily adjust it based on what you have at home or your personal tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Add More Greens: Toss in some broccoli or kale for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Swap the Cheese: Try using different cheeses like feta or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Switch Up the Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for alternative options.

How to Make Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 190C/375F. Boil a large pot of water and cook your pasta for one minute less than what’s recommended on the package. This helps ensure that your pasta doesn’t become mushy in the oven. Once cooked, drain it well.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

While your pasta cooks, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce by enhancing the sweetness of the onions.

Step 3: Add Vegetables & Spices

Next, toss in the red and yellow bell peppers along with courgette, salt, pepper, garlic, tomato puree, oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This combination not only adds flavor but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma!

Step 4: Combine Sauce & Cream

Stir in those luscious tinned tomatoes along with double cream, allowing everything to come to a gentle bubble. This creamy mixture ties all those flavors together beautifully—trust me; you’ll want to savor every bite!

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Once your pasta is ready, drain it again if needed before adding it along with fresh spinach into your veggie sauce. Give everything a good stir so that all those delicious ingredients are evenly coated before transferring the mixture into a large baking dish.

Step 6: Top with Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella generously over the top. Place your baking dish in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly—it’ll be hard not to sneak a bite at this point!

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and sprinkle roughly torn parsley on top before serving. This final touch adds freshness while making it look even more appealing!

Enjoy sharing this hearty Vegetable Pasta Bake at your next meal gathering or just as a cozy weeknight dinner at home!

Pro Tips for Making Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your vegetable pasta bake to the next level!

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Opting for fresh veggies instead of frozen can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Fresh produce typically has better taste and adds vibrant colors to your bake.

• Add Extra Herbs: Don’t shy away from experimenting with herbs! Fresh basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall flavor profile of your pasta bake.

• Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or feta for an interesting twist. Different cheeses can bring unique flavors and textures to the dish.

• Make It Ahead: Preparing your pasta bake a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly in the fridge and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

• Customize Your Pasta Shape: While rigatoni works wonderfully, try using penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. The shape can impact how well the sauce clings to the noodles, enhancing each bite.

How to Serve Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe

Serving your vegetable pasta bake is as enjoyable as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can create an unforgettable dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil sprinkled on top just before serving provides a fragrant aroma and brightens up the dish visually.
• Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of grated parmesan cheese on top adds a savory richness that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Chili Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding chili flakes will give your pasta bake a spicy kick that can excite the palate.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser! The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with this hearty dish and makes for great dipping.

• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta bake. The crunchiness adds textural contrast too!

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and flavor to your meal. Try carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs.

• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice makes for an elegant side that complements the creamy pasta without overpowering it.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful vegetable pasta bake recipe! Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This vegetable pasta bake is not only delicious, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving a comforting dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bake to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing

• Let the baked pasta cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 180C/350F until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this vegetable pasta bake recipe:

Can I make this Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Additionally, use vegan cheese instead of cheddar and mozzarella.

How long does the Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe take to cook?

The total cooking time for this vegetable pasta bake is about 60 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Can I add other vegetables to this Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your veggie selection based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or kale would all work beautifully.

What type of pasta is best for this Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe?

While rigatoni works great, any pasta shape such as penne or fusilli will hold up well in this dish and soak in all that delicious sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vegetable pasta bake as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more veggies into your meals while still satisfying those comfort food cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, I believe this dish will become a favorite. Happy cooking!