Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake

Roasted Vegetarian Pasta Bake Recipe

The Food Network can be thanked for this entire website. In fact, it all started with a Veggie Pasta Bake cooked by Giada de Laurentis.

It was during that fateful episode I switched from my baking-loving ways to a more savory cook. And once you taste this cozy and comforting, veggie-loaded pasta dish, you’ll see why.

The combination of healthy roasted vegetables combined with the classics—marinara sauce, and pasta—is easy enough to make but also loaded with flavor and secretly full of nutrition.

But my favorite part of the entire dish? The toasted breadcrumbs on top get tossed in a bit of butter. It adds the subtlest crunch to help counterbalance the soft texture of the pasta. This pasta casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• Pasta. You can opt for regular noodles, or choose a gluten-free pasta variety by using Barilla’s rotini pasta or Jovial’s fusilli pasta. Feel free to change up the shape of the noodle. I have had success with penne, rotini, and fusilli pastas.
• Vegetables. While this recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, zucchini squash, yellow squash, and sweet onion (a yellow onion works, too), you could easily add in your favorite vegetables to really make this dish your own. Avoid red onions as their flavor will overpower.
• Seasonings. Keep things simple by using a blend, like this homemade Italian seasoning. You can also buy a bottle at the store. Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are essential, as well.
• Sauce. A jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara is needed, so grab a brand you love the taste of.
• Cheese. Both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are used in this recipe. Save time by grabbing them pre-shredded or pre-grated. Choose a vegan-friendly cheese for a vegan pasta bake.

How to Make a Vegetable Pasta Bake

Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

1. Roast the Veggies

Preheat the oven to 425℉.

The most important step in this process is to ensure the veggies are cut consistently so they roast up at the same rate. (Check out these tips on how to cut julienne.)

Once the vegetables are ready, spread them out on a large baking sheet. For the best results, line it with parchment paper first.

Drizzle the oil over the veggies, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (or whatever spices you choose). Toss to combine, then roast for 15 minutes or until tender.

2. Combine Ingredients

While the veggies are roasting, spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish or lasagna pan with a non-stick cooking spray. Trust me, you want as deep a pan as possible.

Dump the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, shredded cheese, and roasted vegetables into the pan, then stir until everything is mixed together.

3. Top with Breadcrumbs

Whisk the melted butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and remaining Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

Carefully sprinkle the mixture over the top of the pasta in the baking dish.

4. Bake and Serve

Reduce the oven to 375℉.

Place the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are turning lightly golden brown and it’s hot throughout.

Before serving this cheesy pasta bake, allow the pasta to rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. If desired, you can top the pasta with more Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes.

Do I cook pasta before baking it?

While some recipes call for uncooked pasta, this dish requires the pasta already be cooked. You can choose your favorite type of pasta, just be sure it’s cooked al dente before adding it to the pan.

FAQs

What to Serve with a Pasta Bake?

This dish is so delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a lean protein for a full meal for the meat eaters.

Go for chicken, like Baked BBQ Chicken, Glazed Balsamic Chicken Recipe, Spatchcock Chicken, or Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs.

You can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Steak.

Or, choose Miso Glazed Salmon or Pistachio Crusted Salmon.

And don’t forget the garlic bread.

Or, go with a side salad, like a Fall Harvest Salad or a Lemon Arugula Salad.

More Pasta Recipes

If you love pasta, then put one of these favorite pasta recipes on your meal plan soon.

• Pasta Carbonara
• Shrimp Pesto Pasta
• Italian Dressing Pasta Salad
• Pesto Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
• Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
• Gnocchi Bolognese
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Chicken