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Vegetarian Pasta Bake 2

The Best Vegetarian Pasta Bake (Veggie Lover's Approved!)

A hearty, flavorful Vegetarian Pasta Bake loaded with roasted cherry tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, spinach, and plenty of gooey cheese. Perfect for a satisfying meatless dinner!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • 13x9 inch baking dish
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz container of cherry tomatoes
  • 1/8 cup olive oil for tomatoes
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 portobello mushroom caps diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 9 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 oz container of fresh spinach or 4-6 cups loose spinach
  • 25 oz jar of pasta sauce mushroom flavor recommended
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
  • Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1/8 cup of olive oil and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  • Roast the tomatoes at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until they start to wilt and burst. Set aside.
  • While tomatoes roast, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine the diced onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Sauté over medium high heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables release their liquid and begin to soften and lightly brown.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it wilts down.
  • Stir in the pasta sauce, salt, dried basil, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Add the roasted cherry tomatoes to the sauce and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  • Add 1 cup of the cheese mixture to the sauce/veggie skillet and stir until well incorporated. This ensures cheese in every bite!
  • Combine the cooked rigatoni pasta with the sauce and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  • Transfer the entire mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  • Top generously with the remaining cheese mixture.
  • Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and beginning to turn golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.