This summer vegetable baked pasta is packed with summer vegetables that overflow from your garden like zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and asparagus. A creamy sauce brings it together with whole wheat pasta.
Brooke, the blogger behind the site Skinny Mom and BrookeGriffin.com, asked if I’d like to test out her new cookbook: Skinny Suppers: 125 Lightened-Up, Healthier Meals for Your Family, which just came out a month ago. Always in need of some kitchen inspiration, I happily accepted! Having someone else design the recipes is kind of like having someone else cook for you : ) The book is packed with 125 family-friendly recipes that are designed to be both easy and light on the waistline.
Calling all gardeners: Summer Vegetable Baked Pasta
I couldn’t wait to make this Farmers’ Market Garden Bake, as I love a good one-dish meal. This summer vegetable baked pasta is packed with fresh vegetables! I want to make this again when I can get all of my veggies from the Charlottesville area.
Brooke calls this recipe a “garden of goodness,” and it surely is. This recipes includes pasta and cheese plus an abundance of vegetables: asparagus, squash, peppers and tomato.
The sauce = heaven
I LOVED the sauce made with sherry and ricotta, plus a sprinkle of lemon zest.
The method was easy: cook pasta, cook veggies, make sauce, toss, and bake with cheese on top!
The end result was soooo good! I’ll be eating this for days : )
A few notes from my version:
- I used shells instead of farfalle because that’s what I had.
- Naturally, I omitted the onions : )
- I used full-fat ricotta and cheese, because….yum.
Here’s the official recipe!
Farmers' Market Garden Bake
Ingredients
- 8 ounces high-protein farfalle pasta or shells in my case!
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 small yellow squash diced
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 pound asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen pearl onions
- 1 to mato diced
- For the sauce
- 1/4 cup cooking sherry or low-sodium veggie broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dired oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the garlic, squash, zucchini, bell pepper, asparagus, and onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add the tomato and saute for an additional 2 minutes, until the veggies have softened.
- Remove the vegetables from the heat and fold in the cooked pasta.
- To make the sauce: In a small saucepan, bring the sherry to a simmer over medium heat. Add the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water and the ricotta and whisk for 2 minutes to incorporate. Season with the lemon zest, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of the mozzarella and stir until melted, about 2 minutes. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and vegetables. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 15-20 minutes.
Jessica says
I make a chicken tamale bake that my husband loves but I like making breakfast casseroles too. What a gorgeous book. I LOVE cookbooks but I really only borrow them from the library so I’d love to win this. Thanks for the giveaway.
Judith says
Looks great! I would love that cookbook. This is a great casserole recipe, although I am not a fan of dealing with spaghetti squash. But, it’s tasty! http://paleomg.com/almost-5-ingredient-pizza-spaghetti-pie/
becky says
Here’s our favorite cheap and delicious casserole-Brown Rice & Lentil Casserole:
http://www.food.com/recipe/brown-rice-and-lentil-casserole-74629
I’ve pared it down to using only brown rice, lentils, veggie broth, italian seasoning & garlic powder and half the amount of cheese called for and it is SUCH a good dish!
claire says
Black bean Mexican lasagna is my favorite veggie-packed casserole, but this looks great!
Amy says
I just made a Sweet Potato Quinoa Fiesta Bake from Eating Bird Food this weekend and it was delicious! My husband and my 22month old both enjoyed it as well.
Erin says
Angela’s vegan Tex Mex casserole from the Oh She Glows cookbook is my favorite!
Elise says
I just read an NPR article about the health benefits of full fat dairy (http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/04/18/474403311/the-full-fat-paradox-dairy-fat-linked-to-lower-diabetes-risk), not to mention, it just tastes so much better than lowfat! 🙂 This casserole looks fresh and delicious.
Kate | HappyForks.com says
Interesting article Elise! Milk fat contains also Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA; type of fatty acid), known for health benefits with respect to cardiovascular system, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and the immune system. From another side there is loads of new research on milk protein, saying that there is a strong connection between milk consumption and exacerbation in autoimmune diseases. There is no such thing like one eating pattern that would fit all.
Jess says
This quinoa enchilada casserole is amazing! http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/07/quinoa-enchilada-casserole/
I can’t wait to try out this garden bake recipe you just shared!!
Shaun says
I love casseroles…mostly because there are always leftovers!! One of my favorites has to be the Enchilada casserole from 100 Days of Real Food! I love anything Mexican!!!
Linda says
My favorite casserole is baked ziti.
Kristin B. says
I love spaghetti squash casserole. It’s almost like lasagna, but much healthier! Justifies multiple portions. 🙂
Sally says
This “casserole” –> http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/free-form-enchilada-verde
I made it so often during the cold winter months. Delish!
Michelle says
Mmm–I’d really like to try this one! I have made the hashbrown egg casserole from Carrots ‘n Cake a few times now, once for my daughters’ friends when they had a sleepover, and everyone has loved it.
Caroline says
There’s a quinoa/veggie enchilada bake that I really enjoy
Melissa says
A broccoli cheese casserole!
Erin Hack says
This looks amazing! I just bought some vegan ricotta that I’m excited to try and this is the perfect recipe. Thanks Kath! 🙂
Beth says
I love a less-fuss lasagna bake with egg noodles, a homemade meat sauce, and lots of cheese!
Amanda says
My husband loves chicken tetrazzini and he would probably eat it every night! I can’t wait to try this casserole! YUM!
bmrobertson63 says
I have a baked spaghetti that is my “go-to” when I am delivering meals to a friend or family member. It is always a hit with all ages. Not at all healthy in any way, though 🙂
Tracey says
This garden bake looks so good! I am not sure that I have ever made a casserole before, I am terrible in the kitchen. I will certainly give this a try, though. 🙂
Kim says
My favorite are breakfast casseroles.
The cookbook looks great – I love the photos of the recipes in the book.
judith says
I love enchilada casseroles!
Hillary says
My favorite casserole is my mom’s turkey tortilla casserole. Super simple yet it is the epitome of comfort for me.
Amie says
My favorite casserole is chicken divan…not healthy at all, but great comfort food!
Kate says
this is a really good tuna casserole for a cold day. no cream of soups!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/86069/tuna-noodle-casserole-from-scratch/
Stephanie says
I love Cooking Light’s Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta Bake. A decent amount of work but delicious. We always make a double batch!
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-butternut-squash-bacon-pasta
Danielle says
Black bean Mexican lasagna is a crowd favorite over here!
Maria says
Hey I am all about casseroles and soups helps with busy weeknight dinners! I make a veggie bake with artichokes asparagus and spinach, bottom layer is brown rice then saute of veggies cover with a wine and lemon sauce bake then sprinkle of Parmesan bake five more mins.
Amber says
This looks fabulous!! I’m absolutely going to try it sometime this week. I love finding healthy, veggie-packed recipes that are easy to make. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
My favorite casserole lately has been one I make with sweet potatoes, spinach, quinoa, goat cheese, and black beans. Full of protein, travels well to work, and it tastes delicious!
Jenny says
I love a good eggy breakfast casserole! My husband doesn’t eat eggs (I know! Who doesn’t eat eggs!) so it’s always a special treat when I can have a cheesy egg casserole.
Rachel says
Yum- this looks delicious!
And this is amazing –> http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/white-enchilada-casserole-recipe/ You can definitely add in some zucchini and other veggies to make them more healthy too 🙂
Andrea says
Mmm egg bake casserole!
ashley says
Really simple. Baked Ziti
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/11758/baked-ziti-i/
Stacey says
Shepard’s Pie is my favorite casserole dish to make. Its so easy and so good 🙂
Danielle says
That looks amazing! Yum! My mom used to make a chicken and biscuit casserole and I’d have to say that’s my favorite!
Louise says
My favorite casserole has got to be pineapple casserole. A good old southern recipe!
Laura says
My favorite casserole dish is a pasta bake with bacon and butternut squash!
Heather says
I don’t know what exactly constitutes a casserole — the lines seem to be blurry — but we LOVE biryani, preferably with the veg, herbs and spices outweighing the amount of Basmati!
Shephalli Jain says
It is not “skinny” but my favorite casserole i s Paula Deen’s Shrimp and wild rice casserole. Definitely a comfort food in winter. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/shrimp-and-wild-rice-casserole-recipe.html
Sonal says
Tex mex black bean casserole with lots of veggies and black olives on top. I love loading it with salsa and guac.
Leigh says
I made a pasta primavera-ish casserole last night — kind of similar to this recipe!
DHA says
Great recipe! I will try it! I love a mexican style casserole :o)
Katie Kane says
I love chicken cordon bleu casserole. So yummy!
Courtney says
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Bake! YUMMM
Amanda F says
One of my favorite is this chicken and broccoli casserole:
http://www.thewholesomedish.com/chicken-broccoli-quinoa-casserole/
It’s so easy! You literally just add everything to the pan and bake. No precooking required.
Amy Martin says
One of my favorite casserole recipes from Picky Palate Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
http://picky-palate.com/2015/06/10/cheesy-chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole-2/
amy says
i love healthier versions of hearty italian casseroles- with lots of cheese and sauce. this cookbook looks fantastic!
Kate says
Does lasagna count as a casserole? Because that’s my favorite!
Krissy says
This looks delicious. Do you think you could sub dry white wine for the sherry?
This is my current favorite casserole. It freezes great and can be served alone or over pasta.
http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2013/07/chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-an-easy-freezer-meal/
KathEats says
yes I think so!
Candice says
I mean, tater tot casserole FTW. Although I cannot tolerate gluten or dairy anymore so it’s been awhile, but we used to eat it all the time growing up and I miss it!!!
India says
Love full fat ricotta cheese – I can literally eat it by the spoonful. I’m adding this to our dinner rotation. Pioneer Woman’s baked ziti is my go-to casserole dish because I’ve done it as a freezer meal and it’s SO nice to just take it out of the oven when I’m ready. Thanks for sharing!
Kate says
I made this last week and everyone (all three kids + husband) loved it. That is about as good as it gets: http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-chicken-quinoa-broccoli-casserole
It reminded me of broccoli-cheese-rice-casserole, which has always been a favorite of mine.
Audrey says
I used to make a quinoa and squash casserole that was big and fed my family twice over! Now my two-year old won’t eat it so I have to get some new casserole ideas!
Lacey deShazo says
I love a good summer squash casserole! This recipe has become a recent favorite: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11404-summer-squash-casserole
Adrienne says
I make a really good tuna noodle casserole. I know it gets a bad rap, but mine is GOOD!
Amy says
My family loves Chicken and Broccoli casserole. Yum!
Robin says
I love turkey tetrazzini right after Thanksgiving. To be honest, any casserole that allows me to use up random leftovers is my favorite kind of casserole!
Alisha says
My favorite casserole is wild rice (MN girl!), but I also looooove baked mac & cheese. Not sure you’d call that a casserole though.
Daniela C. says
baked ziti
Nancy says
I love casseroles, current favorite is King Ranch chicken casserole
Jill says
I love making a spaghetti squash casserole with chicken, salsa, and lots of veggies!
Kristina N. says
I don’t really make or eat too many casseroles, but when I do there’s something comforting about homemade tuna noodle casserole with dill <3
Amanda says
The buffalo chicken casserole from Paleomg is my FAVORITE! If you top it with a little bit of avocado, it helps cut the spice! It’s easy to make and lasts all week!
cori says
We love making chili and then baking it with cornbread on top!
Mary says
My mom makes a delicious vegetarian moussaka with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and yellow squash with a bechamel sauce. She doesn’t even use a recipe really – she’s made it so many times and it always tastes a little bit different, but always delicious 🙂
Sarah says
I don’t do a lot of casseroles these days, but my favorites are my mom’s turkey tetrazzini (with leftovers from Thanksgiving, as someone else said above) and my grandmother’s old fashioned “drunk chicken” – chicken and rice cooked in cream of mushroom soup with sherry.
Emily @ Life on Food says
This looks so good. I am definitely saving this recipe to make soon. Love all of the veggies.
Dina says
I love this primal breakfast casserole.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-breakfast-casserole/#axzz46NiEVFS3
Jenn D. says
My favorite is hands down evil, so it’s a real treat when we have it. Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. Even with modifications (half the mayo and fresh green beans that I blanced), it’s still more calorie dense than I like. But the taste?! My whole family loves it. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe2.html
JennieM says
My mom’s lasagna bake, not quite a lasagna, but all the flavors in a non-layered casserole.
Danielle W. says
I second does Lasagna count as a casserole – can be made so many ways! The Farmer’s Market Garden Bake looks delicious – Thanks for the great blog!
Kimberly says
My favorite casserole is a chicken, broccoli and rice bake.
Bobbie says
Wow, that looks amazing! I would say a favorite casserole for our family is my baked Mac n’ Cheese! Thanks, Kath! 🙂
Jeanne says
Yum! That looks delicious. I make a similar Mediterranean Pasta casserole using lots of veg, also Enchiladas, anything with layered tortillas, beans, cheese, veg, olives, guac…
Jenny says
Broccoli, chicken and rice casserole is my favorite. 🙂
KAMILA says
I love me a good GREEN BEAN Casserole. Another fave is a corn casserole. Casserole’s are DA BEST!
Katie says
I love goulash minus the meat. We had a huge garden growing up and canned all of our veggies. Our version of goulash was to grab a jar of every single vegetable we had, add diced potatoes, a little elbow macaroni, a pound of hamburger and cook it in an electric skillet with stewed tomatoes for hours.
HEATHER says
broccoli casserole!! so good for the soul
Kathleen says
My favorite casserole is a cheesy baked chicken spaghetti that is to die for and great for company also.
We just indulged on a kitchen full of fresh veggies last evening and can not wait to make this recipe tonight.
It will be a keeper I can tell already. To win the cookbook would be heavenly and of so much use. Good luck to all the entries and thank you for your blog and all these wonderful ideas and recipes!!!
Alana says
I love Mexican style casseroles with black beans!
melissa says
that looks so good! my go to casserole is broccoli, rice, cheese – the way my mom makes it. sometimes we add shredded chicken for an all in one meal.
Jill says
My mom’s chicken, rice, and broccoli casserole. This one looks great, and we’re trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals.
Chelsea says
There’s just something about a broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole that can’t be beat.
Kelsey says
I don’t make too many casseroles because it tends to be too much food (since I;m cooking for one) but when I’m home I love my grandma’s lasagna!
[email protected] says
My favorite casserole type dish is my enchilada chicken cornbread bake recipe on my blog!
Sarah says
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas!! So yummy!! I always double the recipe and freeze the extras in 1 serving packages!!
jackie says
Love this !! Can’t wait for our farmers market! May 7!
Ashley says
I love chicken and mushroom rice casserole!
Tracy says
Any casserole that is quick and easy for my family that is of course healthy as well is what I am looking for.
Erin M. says
My sister makes a bean bake that is great! It’s layered with corn tortillas, black beans and veggies.
Sara says
My favorite casserole is chicken and biscuits with peas, carrots and celery!
Nikki says
Tuna noodle
Angela says
I love casseroles, but tend to shy away from them because they’re typically not real healthy…but I love a good lasagna…does that count?
Sandy says
Lasagna. Does that count as a casserole?
Laura says
One of my favorites is veggie lasagna!
em says
I love Paula Deen’s corn casserole, although the ingredients are nothing healthy 🙂 I love easy casseroles that you can reheat all week!
Kelly says
That looks yummy – I’m definitely adding it to our “to-try” list! Our favorite casserole is my Aunt’s Chicken and Rice casserole with almonds – I use brown rice to make it healthier! Thanks for the give-away!
Carrie says
Our favorite is the polenta/bean casserole from this cookbook – Feeding the WHole Family. If you don’t have it, I can’t recommend it enough. Whole food, easy, good meals: http://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Whole-Family-Recipes-Children/dp/157061525X
Amy says
King ranch chicken is my favorite casserole. Whole family loves it.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/king-ranch-chicken-0
Jennifer says
White Bean and Kale Gratin from the Whole Foods Cookbook!
ErikaMC says
Currently my favorite casserole is a lentil mac and cheese with veggies! So good!
Bev says
Do you have any comments or thoughts on plant based diet ?
Sharon L says
Favorite casserole is Pennysylania Dutch Chicken Noodle Casserole – chicken, cheese and noodles with a broths sauce – Yum!
Emily S says
Lasagna! An oldie but goodie
hillary says
Mexican Casserole!!!
Caroline says
I love the chicken, quinoa, and broccoli casserole from Pinch of Yum!
Veronica says
Would love to win a copy of this cookbook! I’ve been a loyal Skinny Mom blog reader for over a year – love its many great resources on food, exercise, faith, lifestyle, etc.! Thanks, Kath!
alexandria says
Slow cooker breakfast casserole FTW! Love the layers of different textures and flavors (plus waking up to a fully cooked hot breakfast is amazing, especially on busy mornings).
Lucy says
eggplant-lasagna casserole made without noodles!
Stacie says
Safe to say any casserole from Angela Liddon at Oh She Glows and Sarah Matheny (Mama Pea) when she used to blog at Peas and Thank You.
I hope you are hanging in there.
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Susan says
Looks like a yummy recipe – will have to try it out. The cook book looks great and thanks for the chance to win!
Andrea says
Love the wild rice and mushroom casserole from Super Natural Everyday
Elisabeth says
I have lots of favorite casserole recipes because, as a child of the 80s, that’s what I grew up eating! I do especially enjoy one I’ve made for a few years that has frozen broccoli, turkey Italian sausage, rotini pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Carin says
My favorite casserole actually consists of leftover Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, stuffing and gravy mixed with egg noodles and browned on topped with bread crumbs. and butter. Not the healthiest, but it emotionally his the spot!
Natalie says
The recipe looks like it tastes great, and I’m saying that with (a healthy amount of) longing due to celiac disease and nightshade allergy. However, I’m really against the message her whole brand is sending that skinny is synonymous with healthy and better.
Jessica says
This is an older post, but since no one actially commented on this specific recipe, I’m going to leave a comment to help the next momma who stumbles upon this recipe and wonders how it actually turned out. Loved it! I have a kiddo with a severe dairy allergy, so I subbed the ricotta and mozzerarella with vegan versions of both. I also used the farfelle noodles and onion. I added 2lbs of shredded chicken breasts, but it didn’t need it. It was delicious before I added the chicken. Great meal to get the kids involved prepping and cooking, my little chef enjoyed preparing this with me. It was a huge hit with all of my picky men (ages 6-40) who normally turn up their noses at squash and zucchini. It reheated well the next day and was requested for lunch by my 6 yr old. If made with actual dairy cheeses, I suspect the recipe is heavenly. Definitely a comfort food but with a healthy twist. Thank you for sharing it!
KathEats says
Thanks for writing in!!