Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta
Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta - this one is for all the veggie lovers If you love your veggies, then you need to try this
Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta - this one is for all the veggie lovers If you love your veggies, then you need to try this
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- salt (to taste)
- 3/4 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves (chopped)
- 1 small red onion (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound pasta (i used farfalle pasta)
- 1 tablespoon butter (i used unsalted butter)
- 1 small zucchini squash (sliced)
- 1 small red pepper (chopped)
- 1 small yellow pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms [around 4 oz]
- 10-12 grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1.25 cups ragu homestyle pasta sauce (divided)
- 6-8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- Carbohydrate 3.70930906228529 g
- Cholesterol 5.24734374880996 mg
- Fat 2.23575874895783 g
- Fiber 1.32701246253037 g
- Protein 2.75907593629416 g
- Saturated Fat 1.15909874956556 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (109g)
- Sodium 659.8594374465 mg
- Sugar 2.38229659975492 g
- Trans Fat 0.19750724998142 g
- Calories 42 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil pasta and set aside. For baked pasta, it's better to keep the pasta little undone because it gets cooked in the oven too. I boiled pasta for 9-10 minutes rather than 11-13 minutes that was mentioned on the pasta packet. If you over-boil it, pasta will get super soft/soggy once baked.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Once hot, add chopped garlic and onion. Saute for a minute.
- Add broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms and saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Then add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil and red chili flakes. Mix everything till combined.
- Add in diced zucchini, sliced grape tomatoes and chopped red and yellow peppers. Cook for a minute or two till veggies soften a little.
- Add a tablespoon of heavy cream and mix.
- Add in the boiled pasta and 1/2 cup Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce. Mix everything together and remove pan from heat.
- Now take a 26 x 18 cm pan and place 1/4 cup of the pasta sauce at the bottom.
- Transfer half of the pasta from the pan on top of the pasta sauce in baking dish.
- Place half of fresh mozzarella cheese on top.
- Then layer the remaining pasta on top of the cheese.
- Finally top with 1/2 cup Ragu Pasta Sauce, remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350 F degrees for 15-20 minutes or till the cheese melts.
- Set oven to broil and broil the baked pasta for 3-4 minutes or till you have some time brown spots on your cheese.
- Remove the pasta from oven, garnish with some fresh basil and serve.
Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and managing a household, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta fits the bill perfectly. It's a one-pan wonder that comes together in under an hour, leaving me with more time to focus on the things that truly matter.
This recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I'm short on time but still want to serve a nutritious and satisfying meal. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's fresh and in season at the farmer's market. One week it might be zucchini and bell peppers, the next it could be spinach and cherry tomatoes. The possibilities are endless! The combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella is always a crowd-pleaser, even with my picky eaters.
The beauty of baked pasta is its forgiving nature. If I'm a bit short on time, I can use pre-chopped vegetables to cut down on prep time. Similarly, using a jarred pasta sauce doesn't compromise the flavor at all. In fact, it adds a depth and richness that I find difficult to replicate with homemade sauce. This is where convenience and taste intersect perfectly, enabling me to produce a culinary masterpiece even on my busiest days. This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a testament to my belief that healthy and delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe easily transitions from a simple weeknight meal to a more elaborate dish. For a special occasion, consider using higher-quality ingredients, such as artisan pasta or fresh herbs from your garden. Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to the top before broiling creates a delightful crunchy topping. You could also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend. No matter how you choose to customize it, this Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it's better to slightly undercook it before adding it to the baking dish.
- Use a good quality pasta sauce: The flavor of the pasta sauce is crucial. Look for a brand that offers bold flavors and a nice, thick consistency.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: A sprinkle of fresh basil before serving adds a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Get creative with your vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, or even a combination, to create your own unique flavor profile. A mix of mozzarella and provolone would be delightful.
This Veggie Lovers Baked Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of efficient and satisfying cooking. It's proof that even amidst the chaos of a busy life, you can always find time to prepare a delicious and nutritious dinner that brings your family together. So, next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn't compromise on taste, give this recipe a try. You won't regret it!
