If you're on the hunt for a vibrant, hearty dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your vegetarian cravings, look no further than this Vegetarian Southwest Pasta Bake! Bursting with bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful comfort food that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cook time of 45 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, savory experience that will leave you wanting more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, salsa, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetable and bean mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the salsa and mixed with the other ingredients.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Then, add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta bake, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the cheese to melt.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.
- Serve the Vegetarian Southwest Pasta Bake warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, cook your penne pasta until it's al dente. This will ensure it holds up well during baking and doesn’t become mushy.
- Flavor Boost: Don't hesitate to add extra spices or herbs to the vegetable and bean mixture. A dash of chili powder or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an added kick.
- Layer It Right: For a beautifully layered bake, remember to alternate between the pasta mixture and cheese. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or slices of avocado on top before serving can add a refreshing touch and enhance the presentation.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch option! Simply reheat in the microwave or oven, and enjoy the flavors all over again.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
