Oven-Baked Pasta with Vegetables

Baked Vegetable Pasta - a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a dinner. This combination of macaroni, couscous, and colorful vegetables will not only bring you culinary satisfaction but also an explosion of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it is a simple and quick recipe that can be adapted according to your preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250 grams macaroni
- 100 grams couscous
- 3 zucchinis
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
- 1 can of cooked corn (approximately 300 grams)
- 1/2 small parsnip
- 1 carrot
- 1 piece of celery
- 3 eggs
- 100 grams sour cream
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper

Brief history:
Pasta recipes have a rich and diverse history, found in various cultures around the world. Pasta is a staple food that has evolved over time, used in both simple and sophisticated dishes. This baked vegetable pasta recipe combines tradition with innovation, offering a healthy dish that brings together varied flavors and textures.

Instructions:

1. Preparing the couscous:
Start by toasting the couscous in a pan with a splash of olive oil. Use a non-stick pan to avoid sticking. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until it becomes lightly golden. This step adds a special flavor and pleasant texture.

2. Boiling the couscous:
Place the toasted couscous in a pot with boiling water (approximately 200 ml) and let it boil for 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain it well and set it aside.

3. Cooking the vegetables:
Prepare the vegetables: cut the zucchini into small cubes. In a non-stick pan, cook the zucchini without oil to preserve its natural flavor. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly golden. Add the grated carrot, parsnip, and celery along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and let the vegetables sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Preparing the macaroni:
Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions. After boiling, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.

5. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. In this dish, add the boiled macaroni, then the couscous and sautéed vegetables. Cut the tomatoes and bell pepper into cubes and add them to the dish, along with the drained corn. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and mix all the ingredients well to combine the flavors.

6. Preparing the "sauce":
In a bowl, beat the eggs with sour cream, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add a creamy texture to the dish. Pour it evenly over the mixture in the dish, then sprinkle fresh basil on top.

7. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and slightly crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!

Serving:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before cutting it into servings. You can serve baked vegetable pasta alongside a fresh green salad or a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Tips and tricks:
- You can experiment with the vegetables you add; broccoli, eggplant, or mushrooms can be excellent alternatives.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add feta cheese or grated parmesan on top before baking.
- If you like a spicier taste, add some chili flakes to the mixture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This baked vegetable pasta recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, with approximately 450 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used. The vegetables provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, while the couscous and pasta offer complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but make sure to adjust the boiling time according to the type chosen.
- Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, it is a completely vegetarian recipe, but you can also add chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Absolutely! The dish keeps well and can be reheated without issues.

Enjoy this baked vegetable pasta recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to your soul! This combination of healthy and flavorful ingredients will make you come back to it again and again!