The Best Veggie Pasta Bake
The Best Veggie Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food your family will adore. This vibrant dish combines an array of colorful vegetables with creamy cheeses and hearty pasta, making it a wholesome option for busy weeknights or gatherings. With its rich flavors and gooey texture, it transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this dish not only satisfies but also encourages creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a healthy yet indulgent dinner, this veggie-packed pasta bake is sure to please everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g dried pasta shapes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large red onion
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large courgette (zucchini)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 800 g tinned chopped tomatoes (2 x 400 g cans)
- 120 ml double cream (or coconut milk for vegan option)
- 100 g fresh baby spinach
- 100 g strong cheddar cheese
- 100 g mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190C/375F.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta for one minute less than package instructions for al dente texture.
- In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add bell peppers, courgette, minced garlic, salt, pepper, tomato puree, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tinned chopped tomatoes and double cream; simmer gently.
- Combine cooked pasta and fresh spinach with the sauce mixture, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg