Healthy Pasta Bake

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that brings back memories of family dinners, and that’s exactly what the Healthy Pasta Bake does for me. As I reminisce about my childhood, I can see my family gathered around the table, sharing stories over plates filled with this delicious meal. It was one of those recipes that my mom would whip up when she wanted to make sure everyone was happy and well-fed. The blend of textures and flavors is irresistibly inviting, making it the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The Healthy Pasta Bake is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients like vegetables and pasta, ensuring everyone can indulge without the guilt. I love how this meal brings us together, reminding me that food is about more than just sustenance—it’s about connection.

Main Ingredients for Healthy Pasta Bake

This Healthy Pasta Bake stars a selection of comforting and nutritious ingredients that work harmoniously together. The penne pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, while the frozen corn and broccoli provide a burst of freshness and color. The addition of smoked chicken sausage not only enhances the flavor but also makes this dish heartier. You’ll find that each ingredient plays a key role in creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Sweet Yellow Corn: One 15-ounce can of sweet yellow corn adds natural sweetness and a pop of texture to this dish. It’s best not to drain it, as the liquid helps create a creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of Italian seasoning introduces a flavorful blend of herbs, giving the Healthy Pasta Bake its aromatic essence.
• Onion Powder: A subtle hint of onion powder helps to elevate the overall flavor profile, bringing a savory note that harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Another layer of flavor comes from half a teaspoon of garlic powder, adding depth and richness to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little kick, a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes can spice things up—feel free to adjust this according to your taste!
• Milk: One and a half cups of milk creates the creamy base for the sauce, and you can choose any kind of milk, including plant-based options.
• Minced Garlic: Adding two teaspoons of minced garlic adds an aromatic touch that complements the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: A quarter cup of all-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta perfectly.
• Penne Pasta: Two and a half cups of penne pasta are the star of the show, cooking through and absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons of unsalted butter add richness and depth of flavor, making the dish all the more indulgent.
• Frozen Corn: The addition of twelve ounces of frozen corn gives the dish a delightful texture and sweetness.
• Frozen Broccoli Florets: Two cups of frozen broccoli florets provide not only nutrition but also a vibrant color and satisfying bite.
• Smoked Chicken Sausage: Nine ounces of smoked chicken sausage offer a hearty protein option, cut into half moons for easy mixing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finally, half a cup of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty finish, melting beautifully into the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Optional, but highly recommended, half a cup of fresh basil or a scoop of basil pesto enhances the flavor with freshness and brightness.

Recipe Directions for Healthy Pasta Bake

Getting started on the Healthy Pasta Bake is a fun and engaging process. The blend of ingredients and the simple preparation steps make it a joy to create. Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious dish, from preheating the oven to serving it hot and fresh.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F, setting the stage for the perfect cook on your Healthy Pasta Bake. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your pasta doesn’t stick.
2. In a powerful blender or food processor, add the entire contents of the can of sweet yellow corn (don’t drain it!), along with the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, milk, and flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I recommend one teaspoon of salt and three-quarters of a teaspoon of pepper). Blend until completely smooth, which should take about one to two minutes.
3. Once your mixture is smooth, spread the uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Carefully pour the blended mixture on top of the pasta, ensuring it covers the pasta entirely. Toss gently to combine, pressing the pasta into the sauce so that it cooks evenly.
4. Take two pieces of unsalted butter and place them on top of the pasta and sauce mixture. This will melt down during baking, adding richness to the dish.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-sealed to trap the steam. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for twenty minutes.
6. After twenty minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir everything together well, making sure to incorporate the pasta with the sauce. This will help distribute the flavors evenly.
7. Add in the frozen corn, frozen broccoli florets, and the cut smoked chicken sausage. Stir to combine everything again, ensuring each ingredient is well mixed.
8. Return the pan to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional fifteen minutes. This will allow the pasta to become tender and the sauce to thicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, as this can cause the sauce to dry out.
9. Once the pasta is tender, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Give it a gentle stir for about a minute to mix everything. Now it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese; do this gradually, a few tablespoons at a time while stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
10. If you’re using fresh basil, now is the time to mix it in, tearing it into small pieces or cutting it into ribbons. Alternatively, you can serve each plate with a scoop of pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Healthy Pasta Bake!

Variations to Try

Exploring variations of the Healthy Pasta Bake can be a delicious adventure! There are numerous ways to customize this dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:

• Switch up the pasta: Try different pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle for a fun twist.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat!
• Herb variations: Mix in different herbs like thyme or oregano to change up the flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days.
• Freezing: Although not recommended, if you must freeze, do so before adding the cheese topping to preserve texture.
• Pairing: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Side Dish Ideas for Healthy Pasta Bake

Serving the Healthy Pasta Bake offers a wonderful opportunity to get creative with side dishes that complement its flavors and enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, warm garlic bread provides a crunchy complement to the creamy pasta.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing balances the richness of the bake.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve a side of roasted seasonal vegetables to add color and flavor.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil makes for a nutritious and delightful side.
• Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add a vibrant touch and keep the meal balanced.
• Fruit Salad: For a refreshing contrast, a light fruit salad can cleanse the palate beautifully.
• Seasonal Pairings: In colder months, consider serving with a warm, hearty soup to create a comforting meal.
• Occasions: This recipe is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even cozy nights in.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Healthy Pasta Bake offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that make every bite satisfying. It’s a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your table—it’s bound to become a favorite in your home!

Healthy Pasta Bake

The ultimate comfort food, this Healthy Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy delight packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it's sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping it nutritious. Make it tonight for a meal that brings everyone together!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 can (15-ounce) Sweet Yellow Corn Don't drain, adds sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend of herbs.
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adds depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for spice.
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1.5 cups Milk Any dairy or plant-based.
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic For flavor.
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens sauce.
• 2.5 cups Penne Pasta Best for sauce absorption.
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness.
• 12 ounces Frozen Corn Adds moisture.
• 2 cups Frozen Broccoli Florets Provides nutrition.
• 9 ounces Smoked Chicken Sausage Cut into half moons.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Optional for freshness.

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Blender or food processor
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F, setting the stage for the perfect cook on your Healthy Pasta Bake. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your pasta doesn’t stick.
2. In a powerful blender or food processor, add the entire contents of the can of sweet yellow corn (don’t drain it!), along with the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, milk, and flour. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I recommend one teaspoon of salt and three-quarters of a teaspoon of pepper). Blend until completely smooth, which should take about one to two minutes.
3. Once your mixture is smooth, spread the uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Carefully pour the blended mixture on top of the pasta, ensuring it covers the pasta entirely. Toss gently to combine, pressing the pasta into the sauce so that it cooks evenly.
4. Take two pieces of unsalted butter and place them on top of the pasta and sauce mixture. This will melt down during baking, adding richness to the dish.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-sealed to trap the steam. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for twenty minutes.
6. After twenty minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir everything together well, making sure to incorporate the pasta with the sauce. This will help distribute the flavors evenly.
7. Add in the frozen corn, frozen broccoli florets, and the cut smoked chicken sausage. Stir to combine everything again, ensuring each ingredient is well mixed.
8. Return the pan to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional fifteen minutes. This will allow the pasta to become tender and the sauce to thicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, as this can cause the sauce to dry out.
9. Once the pasta is tender, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Give it a gentle stir for about a minute to mix everything. Now it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese; do this gradually, a few tablespoons at a time while stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
10. If you’re using fresh basil, now is the time to mix it in, tearing it into small pieces or cutting it into ribbons. Alternatively, you can serve each plate with a scoop of pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Healthy Pasta Bake!

Notes

• Tip 1: Add the entire can of sweet yellow corn (don’t drain or rinse). For a fun flavor variation that I love, use a can of southwestern corn and add 1 teaspoon paprika to the blender—delish!
• Tip 2: This recipe works best with penne or rotini pasta, which are both great at soaking everything up and baking through perfectly in the time. Ensure whatever pasta is being used has a similar boil time to penne/rotini (9 to 11 minutes).
• Tip 3: It’s important to use both frozen corn and broccoli instead of fresh—this recipe relies on the liquid from both.
• Tip 4: Any smoked sausage works. I like smoked chicken sausage best (Aidell’s® Italian Style is my fave—I use 3 links). It keeps things healthy and tastes great. Turkey sausage is another fave. Though I only use 9 ounces of sausage, you can add more to this dish—it works fine, and it will be very meaty!
• Tip 5: Grab a block of Parmesan and grate it on the small holes of a grater. Alternatively, use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan from the can will be too salty and won’t melt into the sauce nicely.
• Tip 6: This dish benefits from fresh basil or a scoop of pesto. Each adds freshness, brightness, and great flavor. I recommend at least one of these toppings!
• Tip 7: Store Healthy Pasta Bake in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing, as dairy-based sauce and pasta do not freeze or thaw well.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!