Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Vegetarian Pasta Casserole, an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with vibrant veggies, savory tomato sauce, and gooey layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Featuring perfectly al dente penne pasta tossed with a medley of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian baked pasta recipe is a versatile, make-ahead meal that combines wholesome ingredients with comforting, cheesy goodness. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness. Keywords: vegetarian pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, vegetarian comfort food.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Stir in the tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Lightly oil a casserole dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Vegetarian Pasta Casserole!
Calories |
2476 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.1 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.7 g | 204% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 207 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 5125 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 279.0 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 116.6 g | 233% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 2127 mg | 164% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2445 mg | 52% | |
*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.