Vegetarian Pasta Bake
- Total time
- 50 minutes
- Calories
- 490 kcal
- Protein
- 22 g
- Serves
- 6 squares (about 1 1/2 cups each)
This vegetarian pasta bake layers penne, broccoli, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella into a bubbling casserole. It uses no turkey or lentil pasta, making it distinct from a protein-led pasta dish, and is designed for a family-style dinner or prepared leftovers.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 490 kcal
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbs
- 57 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
- Sodium
- 720 mg
Estimated from the listed ingredients.
- Prep
- 20 minutes
- Cook
- 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 cups (360 g) whole-milk ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1/2 cup (45 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Before you start
- Use a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. The pasta should be cooked 2 minutes short of package directions so it does not soften too much while baking.
- This recipe contains wheat, egg, and milk. A dairy-free ricotta substitute changes both texture and nutrition; use one formulated for baking.
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil penne in salted water; add broccoli for the final 2 minutes. Drain.
- Warm oil in the pasta pot over medium heat. Cook garlic 30 seconds, then stir in marinara and oregano. Add pasta and broccoli.
- Mix ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and salt. Spread half the pasta in the dish, spoon over ricotta mixture, then cover with remaining pasta and mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered until bubbling and browned at the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Meal prep, storage, and reheating
Assemble through Step 3, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 10 minutes to the bake time. Refrigerate baked leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Freeze a tightly wrapped unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.