Sunday Slow Baked Vegetable Alfredo

Name: Sunday Slow Baked Vegetable Alfredo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red and yellow); 1 cup sliced zucchini; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 12 oz fettuccine or your choice of pasta

Highlighted under: Fusion Cooking

I absolutely love whipping up this Sunday Slow Baked Vegetable Alfredo when I want a comforting yet decadent dish that brings the family together. The richness of the creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with a medley of roasted vegetables, creates a dish that's both satisfying and nourishing. I enjoy making this recipe during the weekends, allowing the slow-baking process to enhance the flavors and aromas, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether served as a main course or a side, it never fails to impress our guests!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:46:38.617Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I aimed to find a way to incorporate more vegetables into our meals without compromising on flavor. That’s when the idea of slow baking came to mind. The slow cooking not only softens the vegetables but also intensifies their natural sweetness, making them irresistible.

One tip I've learned is to vary the vegetables according to the season. For instance, using zucchini and bell peppers in the summer or root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the winter. This flexibility keeps the dish exciting and fresh every time I make it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy Alfredo sauce loaded with flavorful roasted vegetables
Rich, satisfying comfort food perfect for family gatherings
Easily adaptable with seasonal vegetables for year-round enjoyment

      

Choosing the Right Pasta

When making Sunday Slow Baked Vegetable Alfredo, selecting the right pasta is crucial to achieving the desired texture and flavor. While fettuccine is the traditional choice due to its ability to hold thick sauces, feel free to experiment with other shapes like penne or bow tie. Cooking the pasta until just al dente is important, as it will continue to absorb sauce and flavor when baked. Aim for a firm texture that holds up well against the creamy Alfredo sauce.

For gluten-free options, consider using chickpea or lentil pasta, which not only provides a protein boost but also holds flavors beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as these alternative pastas can differ significantly in texture and taste.

Perfecting Your Alfredo Sauce

Creating a velvety Alfredo sauce requires careful attention to heat and timing. Once you melt the butter and sauté the garlic, the mixture should be warm but not sizzling. This gentle heat ensures the garlic infuses the butter without burning, which can lead to a bitter flavor. When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat moderate to avoid scalding the cream—look for small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan to indicate a gentle simmer.

Incorporating the Parmesan cheese should be done slowly, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, whisk in a small amount of pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. This not only loosens the sauce but also enhances adhesion to the pasta.

Serving and Storing Your Dish

Once your dish is baked to perfection, it’s best served immediately to enjoy the melty, creamy texture that comes from the freshly baked Alfredo. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top just before serving for added richness. I often serve this with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings.

For make-ahead preparation, you can assemble the dish before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures even cooking. If you want to freeze leftovers, freeze the Alfredo and pasta separately, as the sauce may change in texture when thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Ingredients for Alfredo Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable Mixture

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup chopped bell peppers (red and yellow)
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or your choice of pasta

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly baked Alfredo dish.

Prepare the Pasta

In a large pot, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until tender.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper.

Combine Everything

In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and Alfredo sauce until well combined.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy or adjust the seasoning to your preference. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before the final 10 minutes of baking.

Vegetable Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to seasonal vegetables. Feel free to incorporate personal favorites such as spinach, asparagus, or even sweet peas. If using heartier vegetables like carrots or parsnips, consider pre-roasting them for a slightly longer duration to ensure they cook through while still achieving a desirable tenderness. The goal is to create a colorful display of vegetables while enjoying the aromatic blend of flavors that each brings to the dish.

For a touch of smokiness, try roasting vegetables at a higher temperature for a shorter period, or even add a few slices of red onion or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before roasting. These little adjustments can really elevate the taste profile of your Alfredo, making it a standout dish.

Cooking Techniques for the Roasted Vegetables

When roasting the vegetables, make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Crowding the pan can result in steaming instead of roasting, which will affect the final texture. An ideal roasting temperature is around 400°F (200°C), so keep an eye on them; they should be tender with slightly charred edges within 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

As you roast, you'll want the vegetables to lose their moisture while developing a nice golden color. Use your nose as a guide—the vegetables should emit an inviting aroma once nearing completion. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly to allow them to cook through without burning.

Nutritional Adjustments

This Vegetable Alfredo can be easily modified for dietary preferences, including lighter versions for calorie-conscious individuals. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk option like almond or cashew cream, which still offers a creamy touch with fewer calories. For a dairy-free twist, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to retain that cheesy flavor while making the dish suitable for vegans.

Additionally, to make this dish more protein-rich, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas along with the vegetables. Combining these protein sources with wholesome roasted veggies creates a balanced meal that everyone can enjoy, whether vegetarian, vegan, or meat-eater alike.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it relies on vegetables and a creamy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add spinach, asparagus, or even seasonal vegetables like squash depending on what's available!