Simple Vegetable Pasta Bake
A heartwarming dish featuring colorful vegetables and pasta, baked to perfection with gooey cheese on top.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, rotini, or whole wheat) Your favorite variety
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce Rich, tangy base; homemade can be used
Vegetables
- 3 cups Mixed Vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.) Feel free to swap for seasonal or available veggies
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
Seasoning and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning For authentic flavor
- 1.5 cups Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix) The gooier, the better!
- to taste Salt Enhances flavors
- to taste Pepper Enhances flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente (about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then add mixed vegetables and sauté until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
Combining and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese generously over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an added burst of freshness, top with fresh basil or parsley before serving. You can also add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beans for a heartier meal.