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