A hearty and delicious vegetarian pasta bake with a medley of vegetables and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
- 1lbpasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2cupsmarinara sauce
- 1candiced tomatoes
- 1piecezucchini, diced
- 1pieceyellow squash, diced
- 1piecebell pepper, diced
- 1pieceonion, diced
- 2clovegarlic, minced
- 1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
- 1tspdried oregano
- 1tspdried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Vegetarian Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Feel free to use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Some other options include mushrooms, eggplant, spinach, or broccoli.
You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold when you put it in the oven.
You can freeze leftovers of this pasta bake. Store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
FAQS
How can I make a gluten-free vegetarian pasta bake?
To make a gluten-free vegetarian pasta bake, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Ensure that your marinara sauce and any other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same hearty flavors without the gluten.
What are some good vegetable substitutions for the vegetarian pasta bake?
You can easily customize your vegetarian pasta bake by substituting vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. For example, you can use spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli instead of zucchini and yellow squash. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for firmer vegetables.
How should I store leftovers of the vegetarian pasta bake?
To store leftovers of your vegetarian pasta bake, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with vegetarian pasta bake for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, consider serving your vegetarian pasta bake with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread on the side. You could also pair it with a light soup, such as minestrone, to complement the hearty flavors of the bake.
Can I make the vegetarian pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetarian pasta bake ahead of time! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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