The Contadina® Garden Vegetable Pasta Bake is a hearty, 45-minute casserole featuring tender penne pasta, colorful vegetables, smoked chicken sausage, and a rich tomato sauce.
Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh Italian parsley, this satisfying dish brings together familiar ingredients in an easy-to-prepare family meal.
It serves six people and works well for weeknight dinners, meal preparation, or casual gatherings.
The vegetables are sautéed in olive oil until tender before being combined with the tomato puree, sausage, and cooked pasta.
A brief bake in the oven melts the cheese and brings all the flavors together, creating a warm, comforting casserole with plenty of texture.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cooking Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Main Cooking Methods: Stovetop sautéing and oven baking
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before beginning to make preparation easier and more organized.
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 can (28 ounces) Contadina® Tomato Puree
- 12 ounces precooked smoked chicken sausage, such as andouille or chorizo, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley, divided
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Kitchen Equipment
Prepare these basic kitchen tools before cooking:
- Large pot: For boiling water and cooking the penne.
- Large deep skillet or saucepan: For sautéing vegetables and combining the pasta with the sauce and sausage.
- 13 × 9-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For chopping vegetables and slicing sausage.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For measuring the ingredients accurately.
- Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it until al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than the package’s recommended cooking time.
The pasta will continue to soften slightly during baking, so avoid cooking it until completely tender.
Drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander and set it aside while preparing the vegetable mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, carrots, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and dried basil.
Cook the vegetables for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. The onions should soften, the mushrooms should release some moisture, and the peppers and carrots should begin to become tender.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Sausage
Pour the Contadina® Tomato Puree into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the sliced smoked chicken sausage and stir until everything is evenly coated in the tomato sauce.
Add the drained penne and 2 tablespoons of the chopped Italian parsley. Mix thoroughly, making sure the pasta and vegetables are distributed evenly throughout the sauce. Continue heating the mixture until it is hot.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared 13 × 9-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to create a level surface, ensuring the sauce and sausage are distributed throughout the casserole.
Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the pasta, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Distributing the cheese across the entire surface helps create a melted, cheesy topping.
Step 5: Bake Until the Cheese Melts
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The casserole is ready when the mozzarella has melted and the filling is hot throughout.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce settle and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Practical Cooking Tips
Cook the Pasta Slightly Underdone
Boil the penne until just al dente rather than fully tender. Since the pasta will spend additional time in the oven, slightly undercooking it helps prevent a mushy texture in the finished casserole.
Cut Vegetables into Similar Sizes
Slice the carrots and peppers into reasonably even pieces so they cook at a similar rate. Keeping the vegetables consistent in size also makes it easier to distribute them throughout the pasta.
Use Precooked Sausage
Precooked smoked chicken sausage makes this recipe quicker to assemble. Slice it into bite-sized pieces so each serving contains a good balance of pasta, vegetables, and sausage.
Customize the Vegetables
Zucchini can replace the mushrooms in an equal amount if you prefer a different vegetable combination.
You can also use other available garden vegetables, keeping in mind that vegetables with high water content may need additional sautéing to prevent a watery casserole.
Adjust the Sauce Texture
For a chunkier tomato sauce, substitute a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for the tomato puree. Because this substitution changes the amount and consistency of the sauce, the finished casserole may be less saucy.
Add a Crispy Topping
For extra texture, sprinkle a thin layer of seasoned breadcrumbs over the mozzarella before baking. The breadcrumbs add a lightly crisp surface that contrasts with the tender pasta and vegetables.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing in Advance
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time for a convenient meal. Prepare the pasta and vegetable mixture, transfer it to the baking dish, and cover it before refrigerating. For the best texture, add the mozzarella cheese just before baking.
When ready to cook, remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Bake until the center is thoroughly heated, allowing approximately 25 to 30 minutes as a starting point for a chilled casserole. Actual cooking time may vary depending on the dish and the temperature of the ingredients.
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover pasta bake to cool slightly, then transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. For food safety, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and consume them within 3 to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring or rotating as needed for even heating.
Larger portions can be reheated in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to help prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta bake warm as a complete main dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also suitable accompaniments for soaking up any remaining sauce.
For a family-style meal, place the casserole in the center of the table and serve it directly from the baking dish. A little additional chopped parsley can be sprinkled over individual portions for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Facts
The following estimates are based on six servings.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 383 | — |
| Total Fat | 13g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 476mg | 21% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g | 20% |
| Total Sugars | 7g | — |
| Protein | 22g | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 187mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the sausage, cheese, and other ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
Contadina® Garden Vegetable Pasta Bake is a convenient way to bring pasta, vegetables, and smoked chicken sausage together in one satisfying meal.
Its straightforward stovetop preparation and short baking time make it suitable for busy evenings, while the vegetable combinations and topping can be adjusted to suit different preferences.
Serve it fresh from the oven with a simple side salad or bread for an easy family dinner.
