Cheesy Baked Pasta With Vegetables Recipes to Try Tonight

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and loaded with wholesome vegetables, this cheesy baked pasta with vegetables recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful fusion of tender pasta, fresh garden vegetables, and a luscious, bubbling cheese topping that will make your taste buds sing.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish offers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your preferences.

This baked pasta is an ideal way to sneak in some extra veggies while enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness we all love. It’s perfect as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

Ready to dive into this deliciously cheesy, veggie-packed pasta bake? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy baked pasta with vegetables recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flexible and customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer, and easily swap cheeses.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection—comfort food that’s also nutritious.
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time or enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully.
• Vegetarian friendly: A wholesome meatless option packed with protein and fiber-rich veggies.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking the pasta to perfection.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until vegetables are just tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
6. Assemble the bake: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheeses plus the grated Parmesan.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To avoid soggy pasta, be sure to drain it well and avoid overcooking. You want it slightly firm since it will cook more in the oven.

• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. For a creamy sauce, try cauliflower vegan cheese sauce.
• Use different veggies: Swap broccoli and zucchini with spinach, kale, or eggplant for new flavors.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein boost, inspired by these alkaline vegan chickpea recipes.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder for heat—try this homemade chili powder recipe for an easy blend.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy baked pasta pairs wonderfully with a crunchy side salad—try a crisp Caesar or mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complement the creamy pasta beautifully.

For a lighter touch, serve with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. If you want to turn this into a full-course meal, consider a refreshing fruit salad or a bowl of soup like a minestrone or tomato basil.

Conclusion

Cheesy baked pasta with vegetables is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal that everyone will love. Its rich flavors, creamy cheese, and healthy vegetables make it an ideal dinner any night of the week.

Plus, it’s easy to customize and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you might want to explore other vegetarian and vegan pasta dishes for more inspiration. Check out Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or dive into a variety of options from A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

For an exciting twist on comfort food, try this recipe alongside a warm bowl of 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.

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