Delicious Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights
A delightful Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake full of vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for family meals.
Equipment
- large roasting tin
- deep baking dish
- large pot
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 ounces Rigatoni or Penne Pasta Choose your favorite shape.
For the Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Drizzle to enhance roasted flavor.
- 1 cup Chopped Pepper Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 cup Chopped Aubergine Brings a wonderful texture.
- 1 cup Chopped Courgette Adds moisture.
- 1 cup Chopped Onion Sweetens as it roasts.
- 1 cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes Bursts with juiciness.
- 14 ounces Canned Chopped Tomatoes Forms the sauce base.
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic Adds fragrant punch.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Brings aromatic freshness.
For the Cheesy Goodness
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Chunks or slices for melting.
- 1 cup Pesto Infuses vibrant flavor.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Creates a lovely crust.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan) or Gas Mark 5.
- In a large roasting tin, combine the chopped peppers, aubergine, courgette, and onion, spreading evenly.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then mix well.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, turning them twice during cooking.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, canned chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil to the tin.
- Return the dish to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- While the vegetables roast, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve about 4-6 tablespoons of pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the tin with the roasted vegetables; toss to combine.
- Stir in reserved pasta cooking water, fold in mozzarella and pesto.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top, creating a cheesy layer.
- Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg
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