Are you looking for a quick and easy vegetarian recipe that is also delicious and nutritious? Look no further than this pasta bake recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers make for great lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this pasta bake recipe: - 1 pound of pasta (any type works, but we recommend penne or rotini) - 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce - 1 can of diced tomatoes - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 cup of frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside. 3. In a large skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. 4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. 5. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and can of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. 6. Add the thawed and drained frozen spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine. 7. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. 8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. 9. Transfer the pasta and sauce to a 9x13 inch baking dish. 10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. 11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 12. Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This pasta bake recipe serves 8 and has the following nutrition information per serving: - Calories: 389 - Total fat: 10g - Saturated fat: 4g - Cholesterol: 22mg - Sodium: 646mg - Total carbohydrates: 54g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 8g - Protein: 20g
Additional Tips and Variations
- If you're not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with another vegetable like broccoli or zucchini. - For added protein, you can include some cooked chickpeas or tofu in the pasta bake. - Want to make this recipe vegan? Simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. - If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. - This pasta bake recipe is great for meal prep. Simply divide the leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Conclusion
This pasta bake recipe is a great option for a quick and easy vegetarian meal that is also delicious and nutritious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers make for great lunches throughout the week. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!