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Vegetable Pasta Bake

Delicious Vegetable Pasta Bake That Comforts the Soul

This Vegetable Pasta Bake is a comforting and nutritious dish that blends flavors beautifully, suitable for busy weeknights and makes ahead options.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 500 grams rigatoni or penne Use for the best texture
For the Roasted Vegetables
  • 2 cups peppers Mix different types for color
  • 1 medium aubergine (eggplant) Zucchini can substitute
  • 1 medium courgette (zucchini) Mushrooms can be an alternative
  • 1 medium onion Shallots can add sweetness
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Canned diced tomatoes can be used
  • 400 grams chopped tomatoes Passata is a good alternative
  • 3 cloves minced garlic Adjust according to taste
  • 1 bunch basil Dried Italian herbs can substitute
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 250 grams mozzarella cheese Ricotta can also be used
  • 100 grams pesto Store-bought is quicker
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative
For Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Essential for roasting
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Roasting tin

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan) or Gas Mark 5.
  2. In a large roasting tin, add chopped peppers, aubergine, courgette, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well-coated.
  3. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring twice.
  4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni or penne until al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 4-6 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain.
  6. Fold the drained pasta into the vegetable mixture. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce.
  7. Stir in mozzarella cheese and pesto until well combined.
  8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, then bake for about 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish allows for a variety of vegetables, use what you have on hand.

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