Creamy Vegetable Pasta Bake

Vegetable pasta bake is an easy oven-baked dish loaded with vegetables, penne, and heavenly creamy cheese! Perfect for dinner, this American-inspired recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 210 kcal

Ingredients:

  • 400 g dried pasta shapes (e.g., penne)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, de-seeded and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped into chunks
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • 800 g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnishing

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
    • Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time on the pack; drain.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • In a pot, heat the oil on medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
    • Add the bell peppers, tomato puree, zucchini, garlic, and spices (salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme).
    • Stir everything and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • Stir in the tinned chopped tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together.
  5. Bake the Dish:
    • Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
    • Top with the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped parsley.
    • Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with a glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Tips:

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use a mix of your favorite vegetables for added variety and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables.
  • The combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides a good source of calcium.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The creamy cheese and hearty vegetables make it a comforting and satisfying dish.
  • It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices.

Conclusion:


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Creamy Vegetable Pasta Bake

Recipe card for Creamy Vegetable Pasta Bake.
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 400 g dried pasta shapes e.g., penne
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, de-seeded and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped into chunks
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • 800 g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
  3. Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time on the pack; drain.
  4. Prepare the Vegetables: In a pot, heat the oil on medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  6. Add the bell peppers, tomato puree, zucchini, garlic, and spices (salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme).
  7. Stir everything and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tinned chopped tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  9. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together.
  10. Bake the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
  11. Top with the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley.
  14. Serve hot.

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