Baked Penne Pasta Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious Ideas

Baked penne pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese — all baked to golden perfection. This vegetarian baked penne pasta recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a wholesome option that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of delicious layers.

The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to cater to your taste and dietary preferences.

Plus, it reheats wonderfully, making it a great leftover-friendly recipe. Ready to dive into a warm, cheesy, and veggie-loaded pasta bake?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile and customizable: You can add any vegetables you have on hand or swap cheeses for different flavors.

Comfort food with a nutritious twist: Loaded with wholesome vegetables and fiber-rich pasta, it’s a balanced meal in itself.

Simple to prepare: Minimal hands-on time with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

Great for leftovers: This baked penne tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (preferably whole wheat for extra fiber)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
• Colander to drain pasta

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than fully cooked). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
7. Combine the pasta and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the sautéed vegetables and marinara sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Layer the dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta layer. Top with half the shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
9. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
11. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

To make this recipe vegan: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute ricotta with a tofu or cashew-based ricotta.

Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, eggplant, or even roasted butternut squash for different flavors and textures.

Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce before mixing.

Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and bake right before serving to save time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This baked penne pasta is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairing. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh balance.

Garlic bread or warm homemade rolls, like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe, are perfect for mopping up the cheesy tomato sauce.

For a lighter accompaniment, try steamed or roasted green beans, or check out the vibrant Half Runner Beans Recipe. And for a sweet finish, nothing beats a comforting dessert like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

This baked penne pasta recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Its rich layers of cheese, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauce make it a standout option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Not only does it provide comfort and warmth, but it also brings wholesome nutrition to your table with plenty of veggies and fiber.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this dish is easy to make, customizable, and endlessly comforting. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again, especially when paired with some crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Happy baking and even happier eating!

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