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Easy Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bake

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A quick and comforting cheesy veggie pasta bake perfect for cozy family dinners, featuring roasted vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces (225g) of pasta for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Toss diced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced onion, and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet or skillet and roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
  5. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) milk while whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Stir in cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Italian seasoning if desired.
  7. In a large bowl, gently toss cooked pasta with roasted veggies and cheese sauce until well coated.
  8. Pour mixture into a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Optionally broil for last 2 minutes for extra browning, watching closely.
  10. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Roast veggies separately to avoid sogginess and enhance flavor. Whisk cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps. Undercook pasta slightly as it will finish cooking in the oven. Add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, veggie pasta bake, family dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, baked pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-cheesy-veggie-pasta-bake-recipe-for-a-cozy-family-dinner-tonight/