Delicious Primavera Bake Recipe to Impress Your Guests
Hello there, fellow food lovers! As a nutritionist and food blogger, one of my top priorities is to help you find delicious and healthy recipes that you can enjoy without any guilt. Today, I am excited to share with you one of my go-to gluten-free and dairy-free recipes- the Primavera Bake Recipe.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal that is both filling and nutritious. Whether you are vegan or just looking to cut down on your dairy and gluten intake, this recipe will not disappoint.
The combination of fresh veggies like spinach, green peas, and bell peppers make this dish not only colorful but also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the creamy garlic tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
Most importantly, this Primavera Bake Recipe doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. In just under an hour, you can have yourself a healthy and hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even meal prep.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ingredient list and start cooking up some magic in our kitchens!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a guilt-free and delicious meal that is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly? Look no further! Our Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe ticks all the boxes – this is a recipe that you will absolutely love.
Firstly, our recipe is packed full of wholesome ingredients like rice, tofu, green peas, frozen corn, and spinach. These ingredients provide essential nutrients that nourish the body and keep you feeling full for longer periods. The recipe also features a tangy tomato sauce with garlic cloves, onions, oregano, basil, black pepper and salt. These seasonings are combined to give the dish depth and flavor.
Secondly, our recipe is versatile enough to cater to your individual preferences- whether you’re a pasta lover or a veggie enthusiast. You can make this dish as a vegetarian casserole or add your favorite protein like chicken if preferred. Plus, our primavera sauce can be used as a base for other delicious dishes like pasta salad or vegetable pasta.
Lastly (but certainly not least), our recipe is easy and simple to execute. All you need is a Dutch oven, some olive oil (or avocado oil), chopped vegetables like tomatoes and bell pepper cut into small pieces, roasted veggies of your choice like mushrooms or zucchini slices along with some dried Italian seasoning mix. Cook it all together with gluten-free penne pasta and top it off with creamy garlic or vegan sauce from Daiya Foods and you have yourself an irresistible primavera bake.
Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious food that’s healthy too. So what are you waiting for? Give our Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe a try and experience the best plant-based meal that will leave you satisfied and happy!
Ingredient List
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always emphasize the use of healthy and nutritious ingredients in every meal. In this gluten-free and dairy-free Primavera Bake recipe, we will be using fresh vegetables, vegan cheese and gluten-free Pasta to create a delicious, plant-based Italian dish. Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 lb. extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup organic frozen corn
- 1/2 cup organic green peas
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Seasonings:
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- Black pepper , to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Primavera Sauce:
- 24 oz tomato sauce (jar or canned)
- 3 large Roma tomatoes diced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Vegan Cheese:
- Optional non-dairy cheese such as shredded mozzarella style from Daiya Foods
Most of these ingredients are easily accessible at your local grocery store or health food store. The focus on using fresh whole foods and organic produce ensures that you maximize the nutritional content of this meal while adding value to your body.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s jump into the main part of the recipe – the how-to! With simple and easily available ingredients, this dish comes together in a cinch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. gluten-free pasta (penne or rotini)
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Seasoning salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg
- 3-4 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut in bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Oregano, dried Italian seasoning, and fresh basil (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions. When cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a Dutch oven, heat up olive oil until hot on medium-high heat. Add in diced onions and cook for 2 minutes; then add chopped garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
- Add in red bell pepper from step #3, tomato sauce, cubed tomatoes, peas/corn mixture, and tofu.
- Add seasoning salt, oregano, and dried Italian seasoning to taste. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until everything is well-combined.
- Be sure to season with some black pepper (to taste) before putting in the spinach; once wilted set aside because we will come back to it later.
- While your primavera sauce is cooking, in a bowl combine the cooked gluten-free pasta with the creamy garlic, and set aside.
- Once the sauce mixture on step #6 finishes cooking (the tofu should absorb most of the tomato sauce), add in the pasta from step #7.
- Mix everything together until all the pasta is well-coated in primavera sauce. Add more seasonings if needed.
- Top with nutmeg and fresh basil leaves, then bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Keep a lookout, we just want to combine and marry all these flavors together.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This makes an absolutely delicious vegan pasta primavera that the entire family will enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there foodies, are you looking to customize your Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations worth considering that will reinvent the recipe in a delicious new way!
Tofu – For those who aren’t a big fan of tofu, you can easily swap it out for cooked chicken or shrimp to add more protein.
Spinach – If spinach isn’t your favorite, try swapping it out for kale, chard or even broccoli. Any greens will do in this dish!
Bell peppers – You can use any color bell pepper that you like or remove them altogether to make it a veggie only casserole.
Pasta – Though gluten-free pasta is the star of this dish, you can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Daiya vegan cheese – For those who are not dairy-free but still want a vegan option, try using nutritional yeast instead of Daiya vegan cheese. It’ll create a rich and creamy texture without any additional “cheesy” taste.
Tomato sauce – You can use any type of tomato sauce you prefer. To add spice, try using enchilada sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
Seasoning – Customize the seasoning according to your palate. Add some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to give the dish an extra spicy kick!
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. By using different types of veggies, proteins and seasonings, you can create a new version every time with ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy customizing your Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe!
Serving and Pairing
This Gluten and Dairy-Free Primavera Bake Recipe is a wholesome meal that is perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy this delicious food for lunch, dinner or even as a snack. This vegetarian casserole is so flavorful and easy to make that you can always impress your family and friends anytime you like.
The combination of wholesome veggies, flavorful tomato sauce, and gluten-free pasta makes this recipe an excellent choice for people on restricted diets. This easy-to-make Primavera recipe can be paired with various side dishes such as garlic bread or a green salad. You can serve it in style by garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
One interesting way to enjoy the Primavera dish is by pairing it with a glass of pinot grigio. The dry and fruity taste of this wine perfectly complements the rich flavor of roasted veggies used in the bake. For a non-alcoholic pairing option, try pairing this primavera with some freshly squeezed lemonade – it’s a refreshing drink that perfectly complements the dish’s savory flavors.
No matter what you choose to pair it with, this Primavera recipe will always deliver satisfaction to your taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I understand that time is precious and that you might not have enough of it in your busy schedule to cook every meal from scratch. The good news is that this Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing and reheating.
To make ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the baking step. Instead of baking, cover the Primavera with an airtight lid or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the Primavera for around 20 minutes or until heated through.
When it comes to storing this dish, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat leftovers, gently reheat them in a microwave-safe dish or covered in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until heated through evenly.
If you want to take this dish on-the-go, store it in a convenient meal prep container or as individual portions in reusable containers. This is an excellent way to save time and money while still enjoying healthy, home-cooked meals throughout the week!
Overall, this Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe is perfect for those who want flavorful meals without the hassle of cooking every day. With a little preparation work and some smart storage tips, you can easily enjoy this delicious plant-based casserole any time you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect primavera bake may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and tips, you can easily whip up a comforting and healthy dish. Here are some tips to ensure that your gluten-free and dairy-free primavera bake comes out perfectly every time:
1. Season well: The key to a flavorful primavera bake is seasoning well with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and other spices of your choice. I recommend using a seasoning salt mix or adding a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
2. Add roasted veggies: To add more depth of flavor and texture to your primavera bake, add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli before assembling the casserole. You can also use leftover roasted veggies to save time.
3. Use quality ingredients: Since this recipe is all about fresh veggies, make sure to use high-quality produce for the best taste. Fresh tomatoes, spinach, green peas, and onions will work best in this recipe.
4. Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will make your primavera bake mushy and less appetizing. Cook your gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until they are al dente – firm yet tender.
5. Make a creamy garlic sauce: Instead of using store-bought pasta sauce, make a luscious and creamy garlic sauce by blending tofu with garlic cloves, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, pepper and avocado oil. This vegan sauce is easy to prepare and delivers a rich and satisfying taste.
6. Don’t overfill the casserole dish: It’s important not to overfill the casserole dish with too many ingredients as it could affect cooking time and make the dish soggy. Make sure you have enough space in the dish before pouring in the tomato sauce mixture.
By following these tips, you can elevate your gluten-free and dairy-free primavera bake recipe while creating a healthier version of a classic pasta dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Gluten/Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious and healthy food. With its use of gluten-free pasta and dairy-free ingredients, this recipe perfectly fits into your gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also incredibly versatile, as you can modify it to suit your taste preferences by swapping in different veggies, seasonings, or types of pasta.
Additionally, this primavera recipe is plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent option for those who want to reduce their meat consumption or are following a vegan diet. By using tasty ingredients like bell pepper, tomatoes, spinach, tofu and more, this dish provides a healthy source of vitamins and nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try! It’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy the whole family. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll feel good knowing that it’s made with wholesome ingredients that are good for both your body and mind.
Gluten/ Dairy Free Primavera Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large onions (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup rice
- 1 (10 ounce) package spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 lb tofu
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add onion & saute 3 minutes Add garlic; saute 1 minute Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt, while breaking up tomatoes. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes or until it thickens a bit.
- Meanwhile cook rice in boiling water. Drain any access liquid when done and return to pot.
- Mix tofu, olive oil, nutmeg, and seasoned salt in blender.
- Heat oven to 375°F; coat 11x7x2 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Stir spinach, peas, and corn into skillet with vegetable mixture. Cook 5 minutes Add vegetable mixture and tofu mixture to rice. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake in 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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