Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake Recipe for Busy Weeknights

As I pulled my bubbling Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake out of the oven, the cheesy aroma wafted through my kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture layers upon layers of tender pasta mingling with vibrant veggies, all blanketed by a luscious cheese crust that had me salivating before I even took a bite.

This dish has become my weeknight savior—a culinary knight in shining armor. Whether I’m hosting friends for a cozy dinner or just trying to sneak more veggies into my family’s diet, this recipe never disappoints. The anticipation builds as the cheese melts into gooey perfection, promising an explosion of flavors that are simply irresistible.

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When I served this dish to my friends last week, they went back for seconds—always a good sign!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I prefer penne or rotini for their ability to hold sauce.
• Mixed Vegetables: Use your favorites; zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach add great color and taste.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous—trust me, it’s worth it!
• Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and parmesan gives that gooey texture and rich flavor everyone craves.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavors and helps the veggies roast beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend elevates the overall flavor profile—feel free to adjust according to your taste!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the delicious flavors—don’t skip these seasonings!

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pasta bake cooks evenly while you prepare everything else.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente. Remember not to overcook it; it will continue cooking in the oven!

Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté chopped mixed vegetables until they soften slightly—about five minutes should do it.

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-coated.

Add Cheese: Transfer half of your mixture into a baking dish and layer half of your cheese blend on top. Then add the remaining mixture followed by more cheese—it’s all about that cheesy goodness!

Bake It Up: Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve that golden crust we all love.

Enjoy this delightful dish straight from the oven; its comforting aromas will fill the room!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you chop the veggies and cook the pasta. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, and your dish is hot and ready when you need it.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or available in your fridge. Adding herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for optimal texture.

The first time I made this dish, my friend exclaimed it was “the best way to eat veggies!” Now, I whip it up whenever we have a potluck—always a hit!

FAQ

What vegetables work best for easy vegetable pasta bake?

Zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach are excellent choices for this dish.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in an easy vegetable pasta bake.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The pasta bake is ready when bubbly and golden brown on top, about 25-30 minutes at 375°F.

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Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake is a colorful and cheesy dish that combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, creating a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, spinach)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté mixed vegetables for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer half of the mixture in a baking dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg