Best Pasta Bake Recipe Vegetarian for Easy Delicious Meals

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake, especially when it’s packed with fresh vegetables and bubbling with cheesy goodness. This best pasta bake recipe vegetarian is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients into a delightful, wholesome meal.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe offers layers of flavor and texture that will satisfy any palate. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it perfect for any season or occasion.

If you’re looking to elevate your vegetarian cooking, this pasta bake is a fantastic place to start. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meal prep and tastes just as good as leftovers.

Ready to discover why this recipe is a must-try? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian pasta bake hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one dish for baking and minimal clean-up.

The combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese creates a comforting texture that everyone loves.

It’s also nutrient-packed, loaded with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, which add color, flavor, and vitamins. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for families, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals, this pasta bake will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 300g penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 150g fresh spinach
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 100g ricotta cheese for extra creaminess

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Colander
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add diced bell pepper and zucchini to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes to thicken, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. If using, fold in the ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. This helps set the bake and makes it easier to portion.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

Try adding mushrooms or eggplant for additional depth.

Use vegan cheese substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

If you want to add more protein, consider stirring in cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also swap the mozzarella for a sharper cheese like aged cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad for extra crunch. If you want to keep things light, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make great vegetable sides.

For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or warm crusty bread to mop up the delicious tomato sauce. A glass of your favorite red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the Italian-inspired flavors perfectly.

Looking for more cozy vegetarian meal ideas? Try our Magic Dough Recipe for a fun homemade bread to accompany this bake, or explore the Kosher Lasagna Recipe for another cheesy pasta delight.

Conclusion

This vegetarian pasta bake is a delicious, wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. With fresh vegetables, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The recipe’s flexibility means you can tailor it to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a truly versatile dish.

Thanks to its satisfying flavors and comforting texture, this pasta bake also makes excellent leftovers or meal prep for busy days. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as we do.

For more inspiration, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a different take on hearty dinners or the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a refreshing, light option.

Happy cooking!

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