20 Minute Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course, Dinner, Others
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Cuisine
Vegetarian
20 Minute Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Bake
Description
The recipe starts by boiling pasta and adding zucchini and mushrooms during the last two minutes to cook the vegetables alongside the pasta. Once drained, the pasta and vegetables are mixed with the chosen pasta sauce and part of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even coating. Transferring the mixture to a greased casserole dish and topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, cheesy surface. Sprinkling Italian seasoning on top adds an herbaceous note.
Broiling the pasta bake for 3 to 5 minutes melts and browns the cheese quickly, forming a slightly crisp layer while keeping the interior moist and soft. Choosing pasta shapes like spirals or bow ties helps hold the sauce and cheese effectively.
Use flavorful marinara or chunky vegetable pasta sauce varieties depending on your taste preference. The dish serves as a hearty vegetarian main or side. It re-heats well and can be modified with different vegetables or cheeses.
Notes suggest a homemade marinara sauce can be used, highlighting flexibility in sauce choices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (your choice, I like spirals or bow ties for this recipe!)
- 1 medium zucchini , chopped
- 8 oz baby bella mushroom diced (other variety would be fine too
- 16 ounces pasta sauce , your choice on type - I like marinara or a chunky vegetable variety
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded and divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese , shredded
- 1 TBS Italian seasoning
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shapes such as spirals or bow ties for better sauce adherence.
- A homemade marinara sauce works well to customize flavor.
- Watch closely while broiling as cooking times vary by oven and cheese can burn quickly.
- Adding zucchini and mushrooms during pasta boiling saves time and blends flavors.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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