Vegetarian Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake—a hearty dish that combines tender penne pasta, colorful veggies, and savory plant-based chicken pieces in a rich tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Layered with gooey mozzarella and a touch of Parmesan, this oven-baked pasta is brimming with cheesy goodness that's impossible to resist. Infused with Italian seasoning and topped with fresh basil, it’s an irresistible vegetarian twist on a classic chicken pasta bake, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Ready in just an hour, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing, wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 100 grams spinach
- 250 grams plant-based chicken pieces
- 400 grams tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped bell pepper and sliced zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the plant-based chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until they are heated through and slightly browned.
Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetable 'chicken' mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Cheesy 'Chicken' Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2241 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.4 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.9 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 192 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 6335 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 178.3 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.3 g | 108% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.3 g | ||
| Protein | 153.1 g | 306% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2431 mg | 187% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 3613 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
