Delicious and Easy Vegetable Pasta Casserole Recipe

5 stars
4.50 (17)
Delicious and Easy Vegetable Pasta Casserole Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
60mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on October 19, 2023

This vegetable pasta casserole is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It is also a great way to include more veggies into your diet. The best part is, it can be prepared in under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy days. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (any shape)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Transfer the cooked pasta to the greased casserole dish. Pour the vegetable mixture over the pasta and mix well.
  8. Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheeses.
  10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • This vegetable pasta casserole is a versatile dish. You can easily customize it by adding or substituting your favorite vegetables.
  • Leftovers of this casserole taste great the next day. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty lunch.
  • Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the casserole before baking will give it a nice kick of heat.
  • Feel free to use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. Cheddar, feta, or Gouda would all work well.
  • You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure it is heated through.
  • Serve this vegetable pasta casserole with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.