Description
A delicious and nutritious Healthy Taco Pasta Bake that is vegetarian-friendly and packed with colorful vegetables, crumbled tofu, and flavorful taco seasoning. This easy-to-make casserole combines pasta, veggies, and cheese for a comforting meal that bakes quickly in the oven, making it perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 large zucchini, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 package firm or extra firm tofu, drained
Pasta & Sauces
- 3 cups small pasta shape, dry (e.g. bowtie)
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated or shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole later.
- Cook pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare tofu: While waiting for the water to boil, drain the tofu from its packaging. Wrap it in paper towels and gently press to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu into small pieces by tearing it apart with your hands.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften.
- Add tofu and seasonings: Add the crumbled tofu, drained corn, baby spinach, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors are combined.
- Combine in baking dish: Transfer the cooked vegetables and tofu mixture to a large baking dish. Add the cooked pasta and taco sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add salsa and cheese: Spread the salsa in an even layer over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Healthy Taco Pasta Bake!
Notes
- You can substitute tofu with your preferred plant-based protein or use extra vegetables if desired.
- Adjust the level of salsa spiciness to suit your taste, using mild or medium varieties.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated for convenience.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired Fusion
Keywords: healthy taco pasta bake, vegetarian pasta bake, tofu taco casserole, easy taco pasta recipe, baked pasta with vegetables
