Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and packed with wholesome veggies? Our baked sausage pasta veggie olive oil recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Combining the smoky richness of sausage with tender pasta and a colorful array of vegetables, all gently coated in fragrant olive oil, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to customize, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a fantastic way to bring wholesome ingredients together with minimal fuss. Plus, baking it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving the top a lovely golden finish.
Ready to dive into a delicious, balanced meal that your whole family will adore? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked sausage pasta veggie olive oil recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick to prepare, nutrient-dense, and bursting with fresh flavors. The olive oil not only adds richness but also helps bring out the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
The combination of sausage and pasta is a classic, but adding an assortment of veggies makes this dish more vibrant and healthy. It’s versatile, too: feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or sausage varieties.
Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more olive oil into your diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits.
If you love hearty pasta bakes but want something a little lighter and fresher, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious meals like Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish (approx. 9×13 inches)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Colander for draining pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes begin to soften.
- Combine ingredients: Return the sausage to the skillet with the veggies. Add the cooked pasta, baby spinach, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is well combined and spinach wilts.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top for a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a vegetarian twist, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms.
Try adding other vegetables like eggplant, broccoli, or kale for extra nutrition and color.
If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch more crushed red pepper or stirring in some chili powder. For more spice blend ideas, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Want a cheeseless version? Simply omit Parmesan and drizzle a little extra olive oil before baking for a rich finish.
Or, explore our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more dairy-free inspiration.
For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free or legume-based pasta such as those found in Banza Pasta Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 35% DV |
| Vitamin C | 50% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This baked sausage pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a simple garlic bread on the side. For a lighter option, try a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
For a special occasion, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the olive oil’s fruity notes.
Looking for more wholesome pasta ideas? Check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals to keep your dinners exciting and healthy.
Conclusion
This baked sausage pasta veggie olive oil recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal that combines protein, veggies, and the heart-healthy goodness of olive oil. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests.
The vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs bring freshness, while baking melds all the flavors together beautifully. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and Baked Lasagna Recipe Vegetarian Sanjeev Kapoor Delight for more delicious meals to try next. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Sausage Pasta with Veggies and Olive Oil
Description: A hearty and flavorful baked pasta dish combining Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and olive oil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and cook sausage until browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; sauté until tender.
- Combine cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed veggies, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 45 g
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