Whole Wheat Pasta and Zucchini Bake

Experience comfort food with a wholesome twist in this Whole Wheat Pasta and Zucchini Bake—an easy, family-friendly recipe that's as nutritious as it is satisfying. Packed with the heartiness of whole wheat penne, fresh zucchini, and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red chili flakes, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite. Topped with a gooey blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it bakes to perfection in just 20 minutes, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistibly enticing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe is both wholesome and indulgent, finished with fresh basil for a burst of vibrant flavor. Savor the goodness of a zucchini pasta bake that’s hearty, cheesy, and sure to become a new favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 medium Zucchini
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, wash and thinly slice the zucchini into half-moons. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the zucchini and sauce. Toss well to combine.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Whole Wheat Pasta and Zucchini Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1324.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2091.4

Total Fat 71.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 128mg	0%
Sodium 7527.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.0g	0%
Total Sugars 55.7g
Protein 87.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1518.7mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 3457.9mg	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: 30.7%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 52.7%