Minestrone Casserole

Minestrone Casserole

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Minestrone Casserole
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Minestrone Casserole

Recipe by contact.cookeasy1@gmail.comCourse: dinner, main courseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This hearty casserole transforms classic minestrone soup into a rich baked masterpiece. Tender macaroni absorbs the savory tomato broth while roasted vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. Each bite is finished with a golden layer of melted cheese that delivers pure comfort and irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion diced

  • 3 cloves garlic minced

  • 2 medium carrots chopped

  • 2 stalks celery sliced

  • 1 medium zucchini diced

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

  • 28 oz diced tomatoes

  • 3 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp fine salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

  • image-1

Directions

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 190C (375F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  • 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onion and carrots until softened.
  • 3. Stir in the minced garlic, celery, and zucchini, cooking for another 4 minutes until fragrant.
  • 4. Add the uncooked macaroni, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • 5. Pour the entire contents into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the pasta begins to soften.
  • 7. Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top.
  • 8. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  • 9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serving.

Notes

  • You can easily swap the elbow macaroni for any short pasta shape like penne or rotini based on your pantry supplies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture. Serve this comforting bake alongside crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a complete family meal. Adding a handful of spinach or white beans before baking is a wonderful way to boost the nutritional value.