Go Back
+ servings
Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake

Irresistible Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake for Easy Dinners

This Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake combines seasonal veggies and gooey cheese for a healthy and hearty dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 350 grams rigatoni or penne Choose sturdy shapes that won’t become mushy during baking.
For the Roasted Vegetables
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers Can substitute with zucchini or different colored peppers.
  • 1 medium Eggplant (Aubergine) Substitute with mushrooms for a different flavor.
  • 1 medium Zucchini (Courgette) Feel free to leave out or replace with spinach.
  • 1 medium Onion Red onion can be used for added sweetness.
  • 250 grams Cherry Tomatoes Swap with canned tomatoes if fresh are not available.
For the Flavor Base
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
  • 1 bunch Fresh Basil Dried basil can be used but adjust the quantity.
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Other oils like avocado oil can be substituted.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 200 grams Mozzarella Cheese Substitute with ricotta or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 100 grams Pesto Opt for a homemade version or omit for a dairy-free dish.
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be a vegan substitute.

Equipment

  • roasting tin
  • large pot
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan) or Gas Mark 5.
  2. In your roasting tin, combine chopped bell peppers, diced eggplant, sliced zucchini, and onion. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the roasting tin in your preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. After 45 minutes of roasting, add halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil to the vegetables and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  5. While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add it to the roasting tin with the vegetables. Stir in the reserved pasta water.
  7. Mix in the mozzarella cheese and pesto thoroughly into the pasta and vegetable mixture.
  8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. Allow the dish to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!