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Alfredo Vegetable Pasta Bake (Cooking for 2)



Creamy, comforting and hearty, this veggie-packed pasta bake is a vegetarian dish that’ll satisfy anyone. Zucchini, carrots and spinach are mixed with pasta in a creamy Parmesan-mozzarella sauce and baked until warm and bubbly. The finishing touch of toasted, buttery panko bread crumbs adds a crunch that’s oh-so satisfying. Perfect for when you’re craving a baked pasta that goes beyond basic red sauce.

Ingredients

1 1/4
cups uncooked penne pasta (5 oz)
3
tablespoons butter
1
medium carrot, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1
medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2
cloves garlic, finely chopped
3
tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/4
teaspoon salt
1/4
teaspoon pepper
1/8
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8
teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2
cups milk
1
cup baby spinach
3/4
cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1/3
cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3
cup Progresso™ Italian style panko crispy bread crumbs

Steps

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  • 1
    Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8x4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  • 2
    Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add carrot; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add zucchini; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg and pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add spinach; stir until wilted. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Stir in pasta; pour mixture into pan.
  • 3
    Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly around edges and heated through. Let stand 10 minutes.
  • 4
    Meanwhile, in 3-inch skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add bread crumbs; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Sprinkle over baked pasta.

Expert Tips

  • This hearty pasta dish makes a satisfying main dish but could also be served as a side to a simple roast.
  • Try serving with a crisp, dry white wine and crusty bread.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Cups
Calories
900
Calories from Fat
340
% Daily Value
Total Fat
37g
57%
Saturated Fat
22g
108%
Trans Fat
1 1/2g
 
Cholesterol
100mg
33%
Sodium
1390mg
58%
Potassium
880mg
25%
Total Carbohydrate
101g
34%
Dietary Fiber
6g
24%
Sugars
14g
 
Protein
38g
 
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
180%
180%
Vitamin C
15%
15%
Calcium
80%
80%
Iron
25%
25%
Exchanges:
5 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 4 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
7
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.