Sara’s Cheesy Zucchini & Pasta Dinner 🧀🥒🍝
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Brunch, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Description
Indulge in this easy stovetop casserole that promises a burst of flavors! Sara’s Cheesy Zucchini & Pasta Dinner is a delightful one-dish vegetarian meal featuring a creamy cheese sauce, chunks of fresh zucchini, and the tang of canned tomatoes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines simplicity with taste, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 3 | Zucchinis |
| 1/4 cup | Olive oil |
| 2 tsp | Dried basil |
| 1 | Small shell pasta |
| 1 tbsp | Dijon mustard |
| 1 cup | Sharp cheddar cheese |
| To taste | Salt |
| To taste | Pepper |
| 1 can | Tomatoes |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 604.7
- Fat Content: 27.2g
- Saturated Fat: 12.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1004.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 67.3g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Protein Content: 23g
Recipe Instructions
-
Saute Onion and Zucchini: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and diced zucchinis to the skillet. Sprinkle with dried basil and saute until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. This step usually takes about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the pasta is still hot, reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese soup (undiluted), Dijon mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a spoonful of water to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Incorporate Vegetables: Carefully fold in the sauteed zucchini and onion mixture into the cheesy pasta. Then, gently add the canned tomatoes, stirring until everything is evenly distributed.
-
Serve Hot: Transfer the cheesy zucchini and pasta mixture to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad tossed with your favorite dressing.
Tips
- To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish before serving.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Sara’s Cheesy Zucchini & Pasta Dinner is not only a quick and easy meal solution but also a comforting dish that will surely become a family favorite. With its creamy cheese sauce and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrients while satisfying your cravings for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
