Description
Savor the deliciousness of Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta, a colorful and hearty dish that elevates your pasta game with a medley of fresh vegetables and a rich, cheesy sauce. Bursting with flavor, this recipe features a delightful combination of pasta, sautéed veggies, and a luscious tomato sauce, all baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping. It’s an excellent way to sneak in nutrients while satisfying everyone’s taste buds, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The golden, bubbly cheese on top is just the icing on the cake, inviting you to dig in. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this baked pasta is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold onto the sauce and veggies beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding flavor.
For the Veggie Filling
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic flavor.
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced: Adds crunch and color.
- 1 medium zucchini, diced: A mild, nutritious addition.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Earthy flavor and texture.
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped: Adds nutrients and color.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy texture that binds everything together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooeyness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor.
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Extra gooeyness on top.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE PASTA
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
STEP 2: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
STEP 3: MAKE THE CHEESE SAUCE
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until well mixed. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to this mixture for added flavor.
STEP 4: COMBINE PASTA, VEGETABLES, AND SAUCE
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Then, fold in the ricotta cheese mixture until everything is well combined.
STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE BAKED PASTA
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey, cheesy finish.
STEP 6: BAKE
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 18g