Minestrone Casserole is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any dinner. It combines delicious pasta with fresh veggies and beans, making it a comforting recipe that the whole family will love. Plus, it is easy to make and great for busy weeknights!
Why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for any occasion. The mix of flavors and textures makes it a winner! It’s great for chilly evenings, casual family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
How to make Minestrone Casserole
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Minestrone Casserole in no time.
Ingredients :
- 4 cups dried mafalda (mini lasagna) noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 carrots, sliced (1 cup)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (1 cup)
- 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
- 1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen cut green beans
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil and/or oregano
Directions :
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Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, covered, for the minimum time according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
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Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add zucchini and garlic. Cook and stir for 1 minute more.
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Add carrot mixture, beans, tomatoes, green beans, tomato sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl of pasta. Stir well to combine. Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared dish and cover with foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and top with mozzarella cheese; continue baking until heated through and cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Top each serving with remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
How to serve Minestrone Casserole
Serve this Minestrone Casserole hot, right out of the oven! You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. Enjoy it with friends and family for a comforting meal!
How to store Minestrone Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for later. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing!
Tips to make Minestrone Casserole
- Make it ahead! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking for an easy dinner.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for what you like or have on hand. This recipe is very flexible!
- For a little extra flavor, add some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Variation (if any)
You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian meal by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some cooked ground meat if you prefer a heartier version!
FAQs
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Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta shapes will work great in this casserole! -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta to make this Minestrone Casserole gluten-free. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to the mix. Carrots, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious!