Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's features al dente rotini pasta mixed with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, all baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, delivering a hearty and flavorful vegetarian Italian casserole.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater (if grating cheese fresh)
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 medium zucchini
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms ensures the best texture and flavor in your Veggie Rotini Bake. Choose rotini pasta that cooks to al dente to maintain the casserole's hearty bite without becoming mushy. Selecting high-quality marinara sauce can significantly elevate the rich, savory base of the dish. Freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan provide a creamy, melty topping that enhances the overall taste. Your homemade Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's copycat menu will closely match the restaurant's classic, comforting Italian casserole experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Dice red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and zucchini.
- Slice mushrooms.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season sautéed vegetables with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Mix well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese over the first layer.
- Add remaining pasta mixture to the dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, covered.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Substitution
Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's copycat menu offers a versatile and delicious vegetarian casserole that can be customized with available vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or broccoli in place of bell peppers and zucchini. When substituting cheese, you can use a blend of provolone and Asiago if mozzarella or Parmesan are unavailable, maintaining the dish's rich flavor. Use gluten-free rotini pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture. Ensure the sauce is well-seasoned before baking, as cooking times can mellow flavors. Your kitchen tools, such as a skillet or mixing bowl, can be swapped for similar items like a saute pan or large bowl if needed.
Tips
Make sure to cook the rotini pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking and prevent mushy texture. When sauteing vegetables, ensure they soften but avoid overcooking to retain their flavor and slight crunch. Season your sauteed veggies with salt and black pepper before mixing to enhance taste evenly throughout the dish. Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking dish to avoid burns, and allow your Veggie Rotini Bake to cool slightly before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutritions
Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's provides a balanced source of complex carbohydrates from 12 oz of rotini pasta, fueling your energy needs. The combination of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms supplies essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals such as potassium while adding dietary fiber for digestive health. Rich marinara sauce contributes lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and the 2 cups of mozzarella and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese provide calcium and protein for bone strength and muscle repair. Your meal delivers a hearty vegetarian dish packed with nutrients to support overall well-being.
Storage
Store your Veggie Rotini Bake in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container, allowing up to 3 months for best quality. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving to ensure the cheese melts evenly and flavors are fully restored.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap rotini with penne or rigatoni pasta for a slightly different texture that still holds the sauce well. Incorporate fresh spinach or kale into the sauteed vegetables to boost nutritional value and add a vibrant green color. Using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese can elevate the creaminess and depth of flavor in the casserole. For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of red pepper flakes during the vegetable saute.
Allergies
Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's contains dairy ingredients like mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. The pasta is likely made from wheat, posing a risk for those with gluten allergies or celiac disease. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies or sensitivities before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Veggie Rotini Bake from Fazoli's is loved for its hearty combination of tender rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that perfectly balances flavor and texture. Its appealing blend of nutritious ingredients caters to both vegetarian preferences and comfort food cravings, making it a versatile choice for many diners. You can replicate this dish at home to enjoy a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal while customizing ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs. Making a copycat version also allows you to control portion sizes and ingredient freshness, enhancing the overall dining experience.