Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
This Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake is a delicious and vibrant one-dish meal that brings together the richness of fresh vegetables and the heartiness of pasta. Infused with the aromatic flavors of herbes de Provence and enhanced by the melting goodness of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also light on calories. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, it pairs beautifully with a warm slice of crusty bread and a glass of chilled Chardonnay. Experience the wholesome fusion of textures and flavors that make this vegetarian pasta bake a delightful addition to your weekly meal rotation.
6
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cremini mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
broccoli florets
1 cup (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
fresh spinach
1 cup (tightly packed)
red bell peppers
2 (julienned)
large onion
1 (chopped)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
tomato sauce
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
fettuccine or penne pasta
2/3 lb (uncooked)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
herbes de Provence
3 tablespoons (dried)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine sliced cremini mushrooms, chopped broccoli, fresh spinach, julienned red bell peppers, and chopped onion. Mix well.
3
Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence.
4
Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, shredded mozzarella, and tomato sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
7
Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to a greased casserole dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
41.67g
Carbs
11.67g
Protein
4.17g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake?
Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake is a vibrant one-dish meal featuring fresh vegetables, pasta, herbes de Provence, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish that uses fresh vegetables and cheese without any meat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the vegetables?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for roasting the vegetables.
Which vegetables are included in this pasta bake?
The vegetables used are cremini mushrooms, broccoli florets, fresh spinach, red bell peppers, and a large onion.
How long should the vegetables roast?
The vegetables should roast for about 10 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
What type of pasta can I use for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 2/3 lb of either fettuccine or penne pasta.
What is the main seasoning for this recipe?
The primary aromatic flavor comes from 3 tablespoons of dried herbes de Provence.
What types of cheese are needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 41.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 11.67g of protein.
Does this dish contain dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 4.17g of fiber.
How long does the final pasta bake stay in the oven?
The assembled dish should bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What should I serve as a side for this meal?
It pairs beautifully with a warm slice of crusty bread.
Is there a recommended wine pairing?
A glass of chilled Chardonnay is recommended to accompany this meal.
How do I prepare the cremini mushrooms?
You should use 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms and slice them.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be chopped into bite-sized florets totaling 1 cup.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of tightly packed fresh spinach.
How do I cut the red bell peppers?
Two red bell peppers should be julienned for this recipe.
What kind of tomato sauce is best?
You can use 1 cup of either store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided between roasting and the final bake.
Should the pasta be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked al dente according to package instructions and drained before being mixed with other ingredients.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, this dish is explicitly described as budget-friendly and light on calories.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper, or to taste.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How should the dish be served?
Allow it to cool slightly after removing from the oven and serve warm.
Can I use any type of onion?
The recipe specifies using one large onion, chopped.
What makes this 'Mediterranean'?
The use of olive oil, fresh vegetables like peppers and spinach, tomato sauce, and herbes de Provence gives it a Mediterranean profile.