Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy vibrant vegetables while indulging in comforting pasta. It’s an easy meal that can be made in one dish, making clean-up a breeze. The Mediterranean flavors give it a fresh and bright taste, making it a favorite for family dinners or meal prep.
How to Make Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini and bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and marinara sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Pasta Bake!
How to Serve Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
This tasty pasta bake is best served warm. You can serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread. It’s also great on its own. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
How to Store Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta bake to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Other great options are mushrooms, eggplant, or broccoli.
- Add some protein by including cooked chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Make it dairy-free by using a vegan cheese option or omitting cheese altogether.
Variation
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. You can also use whole grain pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even just olive oil and garlic for a lighter flavor.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be added for extra protein and flavor. Cook the meat first before combining it with the vegetables and pasta.
Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
Equipment
- oven
- large pot
- large pan
- baking dish
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 250 g pasta
- 1 zucchini diced
- 2 bell peppers diced, any color
- 250 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 red onion sliced
Sauce and Topping
- 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 100 g feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then add chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Assembly and Bake
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the vegetable sauce along with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.