Vegetarian Fusilli Casserole
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the convenience of this “do-it-ahead” and freezer-friendly vegetarian fusilli casserole, a complete meal in one dish. Easily adaptable for non-vegetarians by adding cooked chicken or ham.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery
- 1 small package mushrooms, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Bread crumbs for topping
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the milk and vegetable stock, stirring continuously. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add chickpeas and cooked fusilli pasta to the saucepan. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a 13×9 inch ovenproof dish. At this point, you can cover the casserole well with foil and freeze it for later use, ensuring to add 10 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. Alternatively, refrigerate it overnight or proceed with baking.
- In a small bowl, toss together shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
This vegetarian fusilli casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for gatherings. Enjoy the combination of tender pasta, wholesome vegetables, and gooey melted cheese in every bite!
