Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake with Mozzarella and Parmesan

This roasted vegetable pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food. With sweet peppers, courgettes, and a cheesy topping, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Make extra to freeze or enjoy as leftovers—it only gets better with time!

Ingredients

• Vegetables:

  • 1 red pepper, roughly cut
  • 1 yellow pepper, roughly cut
  • 2 courgettes, cut into small chunks
  • 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 leek, well chopped

• Other Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp oil
  • 200g cherry tomatoes
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • A good squeeze of tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 4 tbsp chopped basil
  • 300g pasta
  • 150g mozzarella
  • 5 tbsp finely grated parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat and Roast the Vegetables

   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan/Gas 5).
   • Place the red pepper, yellow pepper, courgettes, leek, and onion into a roasting tin or deep baking dish.
   • Coat with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and golden brown.

2. Prepare the Sauce

   • Add the cherry tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed garlic, and chopped basil to the roasted vegetables.
   • Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes to create a rich vegetable sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta

   • Boil the pasta in salted water according to the packet instructions.
   • Reserve 4–6 tablespoons of pasta water and add it to the vegetable mixture to loosen the sauce.
   • Drain the pasta and stir it through the roasted vegetable sauce.

4. Assemble and Bake

   • Stir the mozzarella into the pasta and vegetables.
   • Top with parmesan cheese and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden.

5. Serve

   • Serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use wholegrain pasta for added fibre and nutrition.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or add chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick and easy meals.

This roasted vegetable pasta bake is a family-friendly favourite, packed with vibrant vegetables and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for the week ahead or enjoying a cosy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it tonight and savour every bite!