Vegetarian Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in the hearty comfort of this Vegetarian Cheesy "Chicken" Pasta Bake, a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s packed with flavor and plant-based goodness. This dish combines tender penne pasta, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, with flavorful plant-based chicken pieces, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and creamy cheeses. Topped with a golden-baked layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, this oven-baked pasta is the ultimate fusion of indulgence and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this vegetarian pasta bake is easy to make in under an hour and pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just eager to explore meat-free options, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 100 grams spinach
• 250 grams plant-based chicken pieces
• 400 grams tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped bell pepper and sliced zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 6

Add the plant-based chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until they are heated through and slightly browned.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 9

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetable 'chicken' mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 14

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Cheesy 'Chicken' Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1792.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2825.9

Total Fat 112.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 192.1mg	0%
Sodium 5020.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 21.7g
Protein 169.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2320.9mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 2711.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.8%

Protein: 24.0%

Carbs: 40.2%