Happy Hump Day, friends!

This week has flown by, don’t you think? This week I’ve already had two exams, I started a new job, and somehow I still had enough time to do some of the things I love! Don’t ya just love it when it works out that way? I know I sure do! Today, I have a healthy twist on an old childhood favorite – pasta bake! Growing up, my dad used to cook this dish called “pasta bake” quite often. It had penne pasta, tomato sauce, sausage, and a whole lot of cheese! It was an easy dish that we all enjoyed. It seems as though I’ve been reminiscing on childhood favorites lately, between this recipe and my chicken tender recipe from Monday.

Today’s recipe is slightly different from the version my dad used to make, as this one uses whole grain pasta (I actually used Banza chickpea pasta), chicken sausage, and a few different veggies! While the recipe from my childhood was absolutely delicious, I love adding a more nutritious twist to things by packing in as many nutrients as possible!

This recipe is fairly simple, requires few ingredients, and can be made vegan if you wish! You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and you can customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences. What more could you want from a recipe? I hope you enjoy!

Naturally,

Ari

Print Recipe

Healthy Pasta Bake

This nutritious pasta recipe is a twist on an old childhood favorite, packed with healthy proteins and veggies.

Course

Main Dish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

servings

Ingredients

• 1 box whole grain pasta (I used Banza chickpea pasta)
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 3 chicken sausages
• 1 zucchini
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 Small Onion
• 1 c. sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 c. freshly grated mozzarella

Course Main Dish Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 30 minutes Servings servings Ingredients 1 box whole grain pasta (I used Banza chickpea pasta) 1 jar pasta sauce 3 chicken sausages 1 zucchini 1 bell pepper 1 Small Onion 1 c. sliced mushrooms 1/2 c. freshly grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions (cook it on the more al dente/firm side, as it will continue to cook in the juices of the veggies while in the oven).
2. While your pasta is cooking, was and chop your veggies and sausage into bite size pieces.
3. Once your pasta is done, turn off the heat, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
4. Add the jar of pasta sauce, veggies, and chicken sausage to the pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
5. Place the pasta mixture into a casserole or baking dish. Grate some fresh mozzarella cheese over top.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top begins to turn golden. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and serve. Enjoy!

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