Here’s a hearty baked roasted vegetable fusilli dish for two, topped with melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Red Leicester cheese, and finished with fresh herbs. It’s comforting, flavorful, and loaded with veggies.
Baked Roasted Vegetable Fusilli with Triple Cheese & Fresh Herbs
Serves: 2
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes (15 min roasting + 20 min baking)
Total time: ~55 minutes
Equipment Needed
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Baking tray
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Large saucepan
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Ovenproof baking dish (approx. 1L capacity)
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Knife and chopping board
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Cheese grater
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Mixing bowl
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Colander
Ingredients
For the roasted vegetables:
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1 small red onion, sliced
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1 small courgette (zucchini), sliced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 small carrot, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the pasta base:
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160g dried fusilli pasta (about 80g per person)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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200ml passata or crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato purée
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese topping:
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50g mozzarella, shredded or torn
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30g mature cheddar, grated
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30g Red Leicester, grated
To garnish:
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Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme leaves
Preparation
1. Preheat & roast the vegetables
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Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
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Place chopped onion, courgette, pepper, and carrot on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
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Roast for 15–20 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
2. Cook the pasta
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While the vegetables roast, cook the fusilli in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–9 minutes).
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Drain and set aside.
3. Make the tomato base
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In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
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Add passata, tomato purée, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
4. Combine pasta and vegetables
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In a large bowl, mix the cooked fusilli, roasted vegetables, and tomato sauce.
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Transfer the mixture to the ovenproof baking dish.
5. Add cheese & bake
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Top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Red Leicester.
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Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
6. Garnish & serve
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Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~560 kcal |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55g |
| Sugars | ~10g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~450mg |
| Calcium | ~350mg |
Note: Values are approximate and will vary with brands and precise quantities.
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