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VEGETABLE BAKED PASTA

mayurisjikoni
Vegetable Baked Pasta loaded with vegetables,is cheesy, creamy and simply irresistible. It is totally comfort food for my family. In fact I prepare Vegetable Baked Pasta every fortnight.
5 from 12 votes
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Main Course, Main Meal
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

FOR THE PASTA:

  • 3 cups pasta approx 300g
  • 5-6 cups water
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp oil

FOR THE VEGETABLES:

  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup carrots peeled and diced
  • ½ cup french beans chopped
  • ½ cup sweet corn
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced or quartered

FOR THE PASTA TOMATO SAUCE:

  • 1 cup onions diced
  • 1- 2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp mixed herbs or a handful of fresh herbs
  • 3 cups fresh tomato puree thick
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp pepper powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp red chilli flakes

FOR WHITE SAUCE:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp plain, wheat or oat flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg powder
  • ¼ tsp pepper powder

TOPPING:

  • 2-3 cups cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for the mushrooms

Instructions
 

PREPARATION OF PASTA & VEGETABLES:

  • Bring the water to boil in a large deep pan over high or medium heat.
  • When the water begins to boil add salt, oil, pasta and the vegetables except for mushrooms.
  • Cook the pasta and vegetables for about 10 -12 minutes or as specified on the pasta packet.
  • Drain out the cooked pasta vegetable mixture into a colander.

PREPARATION OF PASTA TOMATO SAUCE:

  • Heat oil in pan over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and stir fry till it becomes soft and transculent.
  • Add minced garlic, mix for a few seconds.
  • Add tomato puree and the herbs.
  • Cover the pan and allow the sauce to simmer till it becomes thick. This will take about 7-10 minutes.
  • Once the sauce becomes thick, take the pan off the heat.
  • Add salt, sugar and pepper powder. Mix well.

PREPARATION OF WHITE SAUCE:

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add flour and stir fry over low heat till the flour turns pinkish.
  • Take the pan off the heat and add milk in a steady stream, mixing all the time.
  • This prevents lumps from forming.
  • Return the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring till the sauce becomes a little thick, much like custard.
  • Take the pan off the heat. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg powders and mix well.

FINAL STEP - BAKING

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Heat oil in the deep pan you used for boiling the pasta and vegetables.
  • Add sliced or quartered mushrooms and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
  • Take the pan off the heat.
  • Add the pasta vegetable mixture.
  • Mix tomato and white sauces well.
  • Add to the pasta mixture and mix well.
  • Spoon the mixture into a big baking tray or small ones.
  • Top with the grated cheese.
  • Bake the pasta for 25- 30 minutes ot until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden in colour.
  • Remove the tray from the oven.
  • Serve Vegetable Baked Pasta with your favourite salad and garlic bread.

Notes

  • Can sauté ½ cup of chopped sweet pepper of your choice with the onions.
  • If you want to serve this dish to guests, you can prepare it ahead. Don't mix the pasta into the sauce till you are ready to bake it.
  • If  kids cannot wait for too long, heat the pasta mixture on the stove top first. Then spoon it into the baking tray. Add cheese and allow it to melt under the grill or broiler for 5-7 minutes.
  • Can add fresh herbs.
  • Adjust the spices according to your taste.
  • Add vegetables of your choice.
  • Steam vegetables instead of boiling.
  • Instead of white sauce use fresh cream.
Keyword Vegetable Baked Pasta, vegetable pasta bake