Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake
This easy vegetable pasta bake is packed with roasted eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, onion, rich tomato sauce, melted bocconcini, and fresh basil pesto.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting vegetarian pasta dish is simple, hearty, and full of flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy vegetarian dinner
- Packed with roasted vegetables
- Rich tomato and pesto flavour
- Comforting cheesy pasta bake
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- Fusilli pasta
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Red capsicum
- Red onion
- Roasted garlic cherry tomato pasta sauce
- Bocconcini cheese
For the Finish
- Basil pesto
- Extra olive oil
How to Make Vegetable Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in an ovenproof frying pan.
Cook eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, and onion until soft, golden, and caramelised.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour in the pasta sauce and a little water.
Simmer until slightly thickened and full of flavour.
Reserve some whole cherry tomatoes for topping.
Step 4: Combine and Grill
Stir the cooked pasta through the vegetable sauce.
Top with bocconcini and reserved cherry tomatoes.
Place under the grill until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
Step 5: Finish with Pesto
Thin the basil pesto with a little olive oil and drizzle over the hot pasta bake before serving.
Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
- Cook pasta until just al dente
- Let vegetables caramelise for deeper flavour
- Use fresh pesto for extra freshness
- Grill until the cheese is bubbling and golden
- Add chilli flakes for extra heat
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta bake with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted garlic vegetables
- Grated parmesan
- Crispy rocket salad
Meal Prep Tips
The vegetable sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Cook the pasta and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This easy vegetable pasta bake is rich, comforting, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. With roasted vegetables, melted bocconcini, and fresh basil pesto, it’s a simple vegetarian dinner the whole family will love.