Delicious Vegetarian Pasta Bake Recipe
Meta Description: Discover a hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Pasta Bake packed with fresh vegetables and baked to perfection. This budget-friendly dish is perfect for family dinners and will satisfy even the most avid meat eaters.
Introduction
Embracing vegetarian meals can be both healthy and economical. This Vegetarian Pasta Bake combines a variety of fresh vegetables with tender pasta, all enveloped in a simple yet delicious sauce. It's an ideal dish for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 8 ounces (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for two minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This ensures the pasta remains al dente after baking. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Mix until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Assemble the Bake: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Conclusion
This Vegetarian Pasta Bake is a delightful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's an excellent way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a comforting pasta dish that the whole family will love.