Vegetarian Baked Pasta (Pasta al Forno Vegetariana)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
This rich and comforting Vegetarian Baked Pasta is a perfect way to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with a combination of fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta. Itโs a dish that can be prepared in no time, and is sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping things healthy and light.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortiglioni pasta | 340g |
| Cauliflower | 200g |
| Broccoli | 200g |
| Carrots | 200g |
| Spinach | 200g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 50g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese (cowโs milk) | 250g |
| Fresh liquid cream (heavy cream) | 200g |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by cleaning and cutting your vegetables. Divide the cauliflower into small florets, chop the carrots into rounds, and trim the broccoli into small pieces. Lastly, remove the tough stems from the spinach leaves, leaving the tender greens. -
Boil the Vegetables and Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cauliflower first. After a few minutes, add the tortiglioni pasta to the pot, making sure everything cooks together. Let the pasta and vegetables cook until the pasta is nearly al dente. -
Add the Spinach
Just before the pasta is fully cooked, stir in the spinach leaves and let them wilt. After everything is cooked, drain the pasta and vegetables well. -
Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the fresh cream, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the Baked Pasta
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Transfer the cooked pasta and vegetables to a baking dish, and pour the creamy ricotta sauce over the top. Stir to combine, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta and vegetables evenly. -
Top with Cheese and Bake
Grate the Grana Padano cheese over the top of the dish. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the surface for added flavor and to help the cheese melt beautifully. -
Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. -
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and enjoy this delicious vegetarian pasta dish thatโs full of flavor and comfort!
This vegetarian baked pasta is not only a wholesome meal but also versatile. You can switch up the vegetables according to what you have available in your fridge, and it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge to bake the next day. Enjoy this wonderful dish with family or friends, making it a staple in your weekly menu!
