Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
• Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make It
• Tip for Success
• More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

This December, I’m taking a break from holiday recipes to share with you what is quite possibly the easiest, simplest pasta recipe I’ve ever made! I figure this easy dinner idea is just as welcome as Christmas cookies, because dang if this time of the year isn’t super crazy! The easier the better for dinner, in my book.

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti stemmed from a super simple pasta recipe that I found in Cook’s Illustrated. They basically scaled back baked ziti to its simplest elements, adding heavy whipping cream for a rich and creamy sauce + fresh basil for loads of flavor.

I’d been wanting to create a super easy Crock Pot pasta recipe, so I thought I’d use that recipe as inspiration and create a simple, cheesy, creamy tomato-based ziti that is super simple to make and cooks up right in the slow cooker while I’m going out about my busy day.

I was so happy with how this Crock Pot Baked Ziti turned out! It cooks up quickly for a slow cooker dinner, tastes so good, and is super low-effort! A trifecta of Crock Pot goodness.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

• Quick to prep – I created this recipe to be nearly chopping-free so that it’s super fast to prep. The only chopping to do is giving the fresh basil a quick chiffonade.
• Family friendly – With simple ingredients, this creamy, cheesy Crock Pot pasta tends to be a hit with kids as well as grown-ups.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta – I use penne or ziti pasta, but another medium tubular pasta would work too. You’ll want 12 ounces. I know it’s not a full bag/container of pasta and that’s annoying! I try really hard to use full containers of food or at least quantities that aren’t super odd. But I found that the full pound was too much and the half pound was not enough. I like to save the remaining pasta for a big pot of minestrone soup.
• Crushed canned tomatoes – You’ll need one large can (28 ounces).
• Water – Two cups to help cook the pasta.
• Sugar – This is optional, but I find that pureed tomatoes can be fairly acidic, and a teaspoon or two of sugar helps to cut down on the acidity.
• Garlic powder – I like to use garlic powder to get that garlicky taste without having to break out the cutting board and knife. If you prefer to use fresh garlic, I recommend a couple of cloves. I’ve tried it both ways and it’s great either way.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Just 1/4 teaspoon for a teeny little touch of heat. If you’re serving any sensitive palates, feel free to leave it out.
• Salt & pepper
• Heavy cream
• Basil – Fresh basil is best, but during those times of year when basil is a little more difficult to find in grocery stores, I’ve subbed in a couple of tablespoons of freeze-dried basil and it’s worked well. In my area, the freeze-dried basil is usually in little tubs placed right with the fresh herbs in the produce section.
• Mozzarella – You’ll stir some in and you’ll top the Crock Pot Baked Ziti with the remainder.
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

1. First, add the pasta, tomatoes, water, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to your Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
2. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook until the pasta is JUST tender, around d 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
3. Lift up the lid and stir in the cream, basil, and half of the cheeses. Stir and give it a quick taste. Feel like it needs a bit more salt and pepper? Add it now!
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Replace the lid and cook for a few minutes longer until the cheese has melted.
5. Garnish with more basil if you like and serve.

Tip for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta! I know it can be tempting to push it, but when you’re cooking pasta in the Crock Pot, it’s important not to overcook the pasta. It can get mushy fast.

I hope you love this Crock Pot Baked Ziti! I find it to be such a savior for impossibly busy weeknights.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

• The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Ever
• Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie
• Baked Boursin Pasta
• Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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Crock Pot Baked Ziti

The easiest slow cooker pasta recipe ever! Cheesy tender pasta in a tomato-cream sauce … what's not to love? Everything cooks right in the Crock Pot – even the pasta.

Keyword crock pot baked ziti, crock pot creamy tomato pasta, slow cooker baked ziti

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 395kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 3-quart or larger slow cooker

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry penne or ziti pasta
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 large can
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar optional*
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped; or 2 tablespoons freeze-dried basil
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded; about 1 cup; divided
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided

Instructions

• Add the pasta, tomatoes, water, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
• Cook on high for about 2 hours or low 4 hours, until the pasta is just tender. Take care not to overcook or the pasta can get mushy.
• Stir in the heavy cream, basil, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Replace lid and cook for 20-30 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve.

Notes

* Sugar seems like a weird ingredient here, I know! I find that pureed tomatoes can be fairly acidic, and the sugar helps to cut down on the acidity. You can absolutely leave it out, or give it a taste before adding the cream and see if you think it needs it. It’s good either way.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 568mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 814IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Crock Pot Baked Ziti appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Why You’ll Love Caprese Tortellini Skewers

• Fresh, easy, and delicious – Who doesn’t love the caprese combo of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil? This one levels it up with tender cheese tortellini + tangy-sweet balsamic syrup.
• Easy to make ahead of time – Thread your skewers up to a couple of days ahead of time, and make your balsamic reduction while you’re at it. Then, when it’s time to serve them, line them up on a platter, drizzle with the balsamic syrup, and you’re done!
• Pretty & colorful – I just love how these caprese tortellini skewers look as an appetizer display. They’re so full of vibrant color that people are always drawn to them first!

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini – Grab your favorite brand, fresh or frozen, and cook them according to package directions.
• Cherry tomatoes – Grape tomatoes will work, too. Heirloom cherry tomatoes in shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red are gorgeous, too!
• Ciliegine mozzarella – These are the small, cherry-size mozzarella balls found in the deli and/or cheese section of most well-stocked grocery stores. If you can’t find ciliegine mozzarella, you can buy larger fresh mozzarella balls like bocconcini and cut them in half or quarters.
• Basil – You’ll want lots of fresh basil leaves.
• Balsamic reduction – Made simply by simmering balsamic vinegar until it’s thick and sweet. I have full instructions for how to make balsamic syrup (balsamic reduction) here!
• Sea salt – I like to finish these caprese tortellini skewers with a pinch of coarse finishing salt like Maldon.

Adaptation/Variation

• Plain ol’ caprese skewers – For a lower-carb option or if you just don’t have (or don’t want) tortellini, you can leave it out for a caprese salad on a skewer situation.

Tip for Success

• Dry your ingredients well. After washing your tomatoes and basil, be sure to dry them thoroughly. Same with the mozzarella balls; they’ll come in a brine, so pat them with a paper towel to dry them.

I hope these Caprese Tortellini Skewers are your new favorite vegetarian appetizer! We love these so much; they’re fun to make and everyone devours them.

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Caprese Tortellini Skewers

An easy appetizer made with cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and tasty cheese tortellini! Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to seal the deal.

Keyword caprese appetizer, caprese skewers, caprese tortellini appetizer, caprese tortellini skewers

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 24 skewers

Calories 61kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

Balsamic Reduction Glaze:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar

Caprese Tortellini Skewers:

• 1/2 pound cheese tortellini fresh or frozen; 2 cups; cooked and drained
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes about 48 tomatoes
• 8 ounces ciliegine mozzarella aka cherry-sized mozzarella balls
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• a few pinches coarse sea salt like maldon
• 2-3 tablespoons balsamic reduction aka balsamic syrup

Instructions

Make the Balsamic Glaze:

• Pour the vinegar into a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a light simmer and simmer for approximately 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the mixture just starts to thicken. Test it by inserting a metal spoon, and if it coats the spoon lightly, it's done. Allow the balsamic glaze to cool completely (it will thicken as it cools). 1 cup of balsamic vinegar yields about 1/2 cup of balsamic reduction, so you will have some left over.

Make the Caprese Tortellini Skewers:

• Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to let cool.
• Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes.
• Drain the mozzarella balls and place them in a bowl.
• Pick the leaves off of the basil (you'll need around 48), wash, and dry them.
• Set up an assembly line with skewers/cocktail picks and the ingredients.
• Build your skewers by adding a cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, mozzarella ball, tortellini, another basil leaf, and finish with a tomato. Repeat until all skewers are built.
• Arrange on a serving platter and finish with balsamic reduction drizzled over the top and a couple of pinches of coarse sea salt. Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 2skewers | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

More Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes

• Cheese and Olive Skewers
• Watermelon and Tofu “Feta” Skewers
• Cucumber Cream Cheese Canapes
• Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs

The post Caprese Tortellini Skewers Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Pasta Pie
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Bake Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Like most everyone else, I’m a huge fan of the food blog Smitten Kitchen. Deb has been blogging since the beginning, and she’s done it SO well.

A few years ago, she shared the recipe for a winter squash and spinach pasta bake that was inspired by a similar pasta “cake” by British chef Yotam Ottolenghi. I’ve made this pasta bake more times than I can count, revising and refining it into my own version of the recipe that I absolutely love.

The concept is similar to my laziest lazy lasagna – simply toss everything together, raw pasta and all, in a big bowl, then spread it in a baking dish and bake until perfect. It’s light on the hands-on time, and even though the baking (and resting) times are quite long, clocking in at two hours, with a little planning ahead this butternut squash pasta pie makes for a super easy dinner.

The best part, other than it being super easy to make, is that this pasta pie holds up flawlessly for easy leftovers. We don’t have a microwave, so we add a couple of slices to our steamer basket and steam it for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Perfection.

One of these Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pies feeds us for multiple dinners and lunches for several days! It’s just so awesome.

Ottolenghi calls this a cake, and Deb calls it a bake. I deviate and instead call it a pasta pie. Growing up, we used to eat this delicious spaghetti pie that would cook up in a similar shape and style and you’d serve it in wedges, so in my mind, it’s a pie.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Pie

• It’s super easy. Mix it up in a big bowl, dump it into your springform pan, and let the oven do all the work.
• It’s comfort food with a twist. We’ve got comforting cheesy pasta, but we also have protein thanks to the cheeses and nutrients courtesy of the butternut squash and spinach.
• The leftovers! I know I keep droning on about the leftovers, but seriously. The best.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash – You’ll need about 1/4 of a medium-size squash.
• Spinach – I like to use packaged pre-washed baby spinach. It’s just so easy! I do give it a few extra chops just so the pieces aren’t super big.
• Pasta – I like penne pasta best in this butternut squash pasta bake, but another medium pasta will work just fine, or even broken-up lasagna pasta.
• Ricotta cheese – I like full-fat for the most creamy result.
• Parmesan – For loads of umami flavor. Both mixed into the pasta and melted on top.
• Mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is my preference.
• Water – I know it feels weird to mix water in! Just trust me. It helps cook the pasta and ultimately evaporates.
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder – Fresh garlic is delicious and works too, but I’ve noticed that garlic powder tastes great as well, and it’s so much easier. Easy is good.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat. You can leave these out if you are feeding kiddos or anyone sensitive to spiciness.
• Thyme – Love the flavor dried thyme adds! You can use fresh thyme if you have it and would rather; I suggest doubling the quantity if so.
• Salt & pepper – Mixed in, and a little more for serving, if you like.

Adaptations/Variations

• Swap out the squash: Most any winter squash or pumpkin will work well. Not sure which squash you want to try? Check out my Ultimate Squash Guide on my other blog.
• Try kale instead of spinach – Just make sure to de-stem it first and chop into bite-size pieces.
• Try another cheese. Smitten Kitchen’s version uses fontina; over the years, I’ve switched to mozzarella because I’m such more likely to have it on hand (and I love it!) Swiss, Gruyere, or even cheddar would all be great.

How to Make Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie

I’ve found that it can be hard to make sure all of the cheeses and seasonings are distributed, so I like to mix the cheese, water, and seasonings first, then add the big bulky items (the spinach, squash, and pasta).

So first up, you’ll want to grab a big bowl – the bigger the better! Add the egg, ricotta, half of the parmesan, the mozzarella, water, the seasonings, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Whisk everything together until well-blended, then add the pasta, spinach, and butternut squash and, using a sturdy spatula, mix until combined.

Now it’s time to pile everything into your springform pan! Line it with parchment paper – I like to do a “plus sign” of paper, with plenty hanging over the edges.

Pour the entire bowl of pasta mixture into the parchment-lined springform, press it in gently to make sure it’s even, then fold the parchment paper that’s over the sides back over the top of the pie.

And then cover the whole thing with foil, place it on a sturdy baking sheet to catch any spillage, and bake for an hour.

After an hour, you’ll want to remove the foil, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and continue baking it uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes.

The last 30 minutes are the hardest! Because this is your resting time. In order for the pasta pie to hold together well, it’s highly recommended that you rest it for 30 minutes after baking it.

Rested? Good! Now unclip your springform and relish in your perfect butternut squash and spinach pasta pie! Slice into wedges, serve, and devour.

Tips for Success

• If possible, definitely use a springform pan. You’ll want a standard size 9-inch” springform pan with 3″ tall sides. That said, this will probably work in an 8×8″ casserole dish. I haven’t tried it, and you’ll want to scoop it out more like a lasagna vs. in wedges.
• Use a baking sheet to catch drips. It’s worth the extra insurance!
• Don’t skip the resting step. It helps the pie hold together.
• Cut the butternut squash into small-size cubes. My cubes often end up bigger than I meant to, so I intentionally try to cut them smaller (about 1/2-inch). I like the smaller bites and feel that size goes better with the overall dish.

I hope this Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie is as much a revelation for you as it has been for us! It’s just so easy and so tasty, the perfect vegetarian pasta bake.

More Pasta Bake Recipes

• The Best Mac & Cheese
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
• Best Vegetarian Lasagna
• The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Ever
• Four-Cheese Baked Ziti

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Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie Recipe

If you've had baked spaghetti pie, this pasta bake is similar in concept. Pasta, cheeses, squash, and spinach are baked together and then sliced into wedges for serving. This pasta pie tastes SO good and makes super easy, amazing leftovers!

Keyword butternut squash pasta bake, pasta pie

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours

Servings 8 wedges

Calories 353kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9" springform pan
• parchment paper
• foil

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan divided in half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided [you'll reserve 1 tablespoon for drizzling over the top]
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups winter squash cubed small [1 pound, or about 1/4 of a medium-size butternut squash]
• 5 ounces baby spinach roughly chopped
• 8 ounces penne pasta can sub another type of medium dried pasta or lasagna noodles broken into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a nine-inch springform pan with parchment paper. I like to use two pieces in plus sign to ensure coverage Fold the sides over the edge.
• In a very large bowl, beat the egg. Add the ricotta, 1/2 the parmesan, mozzarella, water, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• Add the butternut squash, spinach, and pasta. Using a large, sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix well.
• Pour the mix into the lined springform pan. Press gently to make sure it'a all even. Sprinkle with the second half of the parmesan. Fold the parchment paper that was hanging over the sides up and over the top and cover tightly with foil.
• Place on a baking sheet to catch any spillage and bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and fold the sides down, drizzle on the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and bake for another 30 minutes uncovered until golden in spots on top.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes.
• Remove the springform ring and slide the pasta bake by the parchment paper onto a platter. Cut into wedges and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop (we usually steam leftover wedges in a steamer basket on the stovetop).

Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen’s winter squash and spinach pasta bake which was adapted from pasta “cake” by British chef Yotam Ottolenghi. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1wedge | Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 553mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11484IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Veggie Lasagna Soup
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Veggie Lasagna Soup
• Tip for Success
• More Veggie-Packed Soup Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Many, many years ago, I developed a vegetarian lasagna soup recipe for another website, and over the years, I’ve made lasagna soup a LOT!

I’ve refined and perfected the recipe, adding more veggies and simplifying where I can, until I’ve landed on a veggie lasagna soup recipe that I adore even more. So I thought it was time to share!

This soup is made with a tomato-broth base, broken-up lasagna pasta, carrots, spinach, zucchini, and white beans, for a hearty soup that’s sort of like a veggie minestrone – but with lasagna noodles! And a big dollop of ricotta-mozzarella blend on top! 😋

Why You’ll Love Veggie Lasagna Soup

If you love veggie lasagna, I think you’ll love this vegetarian lasagna soup! It’s full of flavor + veggies and the beans and cheese add a bit of protein, making it a nice, hearty, satiating affair.

Serve with a nice kale salad and some garlic bread for the full meal deal!

Ingredients

For the lasagna soup:

• Olive oil – For sautéing the first base layer of flavor.
• Onion – Standard yellow onion, diced
• Carrots – Adds nutrition and, together with the onions, a nice backbone of flavor.
• Italian seasoning – The mix of Italian spices can be found in your local grocery store, or you can make your own homemade Italian seasoning (highly recommended!)
• Garlic
• Vegetable broth – Grab a box of low-sodium veggie broth at the store or make your own vegetable broth from scraps in the Crock Pot – it’s super satisfying (and tastes amazing!)
• Crushed tomatoes – Grab your favorite brand from the store. Diced tomatoes will work here, too, if you prefer something a bit chunkier.
• Navy beans – I prefer to use small white navy beans in this soup because they sort of retreat to the background (the pasta and cheese are the star of the show!) but still add heartiness. But I have used cannellini beans and chickpeas often, too – both options work well!
• Salt & pepper
• Zucchini
• Lasagna pasta – You’ll want to break up the pasta, or you can opt for a different pasta if you prefer. Rotini is great!
• Sugar – A weird ingredient for soup, I know, but the sugar helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes. I’ve included it as an optional ingredient because sometimes it’s not necessary.
• Spinach – I like to give baby spinach a rough chop before adding it to soup so that the pieces aren’t too big.
• Parsley

For the cheesy goodness:

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Salt & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

• Vegan/dairy-free lasagna soup: The soup itself is already dairy-free and vegan – it’s just the cheesy topping you’ll need to address. Mix almond ricotta (you can find it in stores) with vegan mozzarella shreds and a couple of teaspoons of nutritional yeast.
• Gluten-free veggie lasagna soup: Swap the pasta for your favorite GF pasta. It doesn’t have to be lasagna noodles; any medium shape will be great (rotini is excellent in this soup!)
• Meat option: If you have a meat-eater in the house, you can mix some cooked and drained ground beef or ground crumbled sausage to the carnivorous portions.

How to Make Veggie Lasagna Soup

Classic one-pot prep is one of the things that makes soup amazing! Grab a soup pot/Dutch oven and saute your aromatics – carrots, onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic. I like to saute the Italian seasoning right up front to really help “wake up” the flavors.

Next, add the tomatoes, beans, and broth. Once that comes to a boil, break in your pasta and add the zucchini.

And then simmer until your pasta is tender! Stir in the parsley and spinach, and then give it a taste. Is it tasting a bit acidic? If so, add the sugar. (Some canned tomatoes can lend an acidic taste, so I like to include the option of a touch of sugar in this recipe to help tame the acid.)

Then, in a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, parm, salt, and pepper.

Scoop out your glorious lasagna soup into individual bowls …

… and top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheesy ricotta goodness.

And then dig in!

Tip for Success

• Break your lasagna into smaller-than-you-think pieces. We’re talking one-inch pieces. It swells up way more than you think it will!

I hope this veggie lasagna soup becomes a staple for your family like it has mine! It’s such a fun spin on soup – it satisfies that lasagna craving while staying relatively light and nutrient-filled.

More Veggie-Packed Soup Recipes

• Vegetable Barley Soup
• Rustic Winter Vegetable Chowder
• Vegetarian Minestrone
• Squash-Lover’s Minestrone

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Veggie Lasagna Soup Recipe

Light yet hearty, this vegetable lasagna soup is full of garden vegetables along with white beans and lasagna noodles, all topped with a glorious dollop of cheesy goodness. Bonus: It comes together quickly, in just over 30 minutes!

Keyword garden vegetable lasagna soup, lasagna soup, vegetarian lasagna soup, veggie lasagna soup

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 390kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
• 2 medium carrots diced, about 1 cup
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 medium garlic cloves minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 15 ounces small white beans aka navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 1 small zucchini diced, about 1 cup
• 4 ounces lasagna pasta about a quarter of a box, broken into approx. 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to cut acidity
• 2 cups baby spinach lightly chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped + more for garnish

For the cheese topping:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Set a large pot over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion, carrots, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and carrots are tender but not browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for another minute.
• Add the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, beans, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, and add the zucchini and pasta. Reduce to a simmer. Stir and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, 15-20 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally to help keep the pasta from sticking together.
• While the soup simmers, make the cheese topping. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
• Add the spinach and parsley to the soup, then taste it and, if it's too acidic for your tastes, add the sugar. I almost always add sugar (or honey) personally to mellow out any acidity from the tomatoes, but I wanted to make this ingredient optional in case you don't want to use the added sugar or your particular canned tomatoes are not too acidic.
• Taste again and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Scoop lasagna soup into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the cheese topping. Sprinkle with more parsley if desired, and serve.

Notes

Vegan/dairy-free option:

The soup itself is already dairy-free and vegan – it’s just the cheesy topping you’ll need to address. Mix almond ricotta (you can find it in stores, or even make your own vegan ricotta) with vegan mozzarella shreds and a couple of teaspoons of nutritional yeast.

Gluten-free option:

Swap the pasta for your favorite GF pasta. It doesn’t have to be lasagna noodles; any medium shape will be great (rotini is excellent in this soup!

Meat option:

If you have a meat-eater in the house, you can mix some cooked and drained ground beef or ground crumbled sausage to the carnivorous portions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5272IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 4mg

The post Veggie Lasagna Soup Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

What if I told you that you could make an easy, cheesy lazy lasagna recipe with raw lasagna pasta and no layering? One in which you literally mixed the cheese, sauce, and broken raw pasta together in a big bowl and dumped it in a casserole dish and baked it and out came lasagna? Well, hold on to your horses, because that’s exactly what I’m saying.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Laziest Lazy Lasagna
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make the Laziest Lasagna Recipe Ever
• Tips for Success
• More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I know a lot of lazy lasagna recipes call for ravioli, and I love that idea! But I wanted to take it one step further. If I was going to make a lazy lasagna, I didn’t want to have to do any layering. (Although, note that I actually did go there with these individual lazy ravioli lasagnas, a long long time ago! I still love this one for one dish two ways dinners.)

I’m a huge fan of Smitten Kitchen’s pasta and squash bake. The method feels so weird – you literally mix everything together in a giant bowl, raw pasta and all, then bake it in a spring form pan – but the result is amazing! And it’s so, so easy.

So, over the years, I’ve been slowly developing a lazy lasagna recipe that uses that method, but the result is lasagna. Okay, caveat – something resembling lasagna, because obviously this isn’t a true, traditional lasagna, even though it tastes like it.

I continued to simplify the recipe until I finally settled on this one, an extra lazy lasagna situation that uses jarred sauce and need only be baked in a 9×13 pan, no springform necessary.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been so proud to be so lazy!

Why You’ll Love Laziest Lazy Lasagna

It tastes like a real cheesy vegetarian lasagna, but it comes together with a fraction of the effort. What’s not to love?!

Don’t get me wrong – I firmly believe there is absolutely a time and a place for real lasagna. My usual vegetarian lasagna recipe is made more traditionally, with an epic homemade Italian tomato sauce that completely seals the deal. (Though it is made without having to boil the pasta first, which is awesome!)

But sometimes, you just need a fast and easy recipe. Granted, this one does take some time in the oven, so you’ll want to plan for that, but the magic is in the fact that this lazy lasagna recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep, leaving you free for everything else you have to do. And that is why is truly is the laziest lazy lasagna recipe ever!

Ingredients

• Marinara sauce/spaghetti sauce – Grab your favorite jar from the store, though if you really want a homemade sauce, I have this Italian tomato sauce recipe that’s really, really yummy, and sometimes I’ll use that if I have it in the freezer.
• Water – Needed to help cook the pasta and make the lasagna the saucy wonder we all know and love when we think of lasagna.
• Mozzarella cheese – I like to go with full-fat (low-moisture) mozzarella, but part-skim works well too.
• Parmesan cheese – Grate it yourself or grab it already shredded at the store.
• Ricotta cheese – One tub.
• Lasagna noodles – You’ll need one box of lasagna pasta, broken into 3- to 4-inch pieces.
• Salt & pepper – For flavor, of course!
• Olive oil – This is for drizzling over the top of the lasagna during the final baking period when you bake it uncovered. It adds a nice bit of flavor, too. It’s not strictly required, but this is how I like to make it.
• Parsley – Optional, but I like the pretty green it adds when sprinkled over the top of the lasagna. You could swap in ribbons of basil, too, or in place of the parsley.

Adaptations/Variations

• Add some greens. Throw in a few handfuls of baby spinach for some added nutrition.
• Make it meaty. Stir some cooked ground beef or ground sausage in with the sauce and cheese for a meaty lasagna.

How to Make the Laziest Lasagna Recipe Ever

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Have a 9″x13″ baking dish ready. You can spray it with non-stick spray for easier clean-up, if you like.

To a large bowl, add the marinara sauce, water, 2 cups of the mozzarella, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan, ricotta, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Break the pasta in 3 to 4-inch pieces directly into the bowl. Grab a big wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, and stir it until all of the pasta pieces are coated.

Pour the pasta and sauce into your 9×13 baking dish and spread it out a bit so it’s even. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top.

Cover the baking dish tightly and bake for an hour. Remove the foil, drizzle with olive oil, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes to help get the top a bit more golden and bubbly.

Drop some minced parsley over the top if desired and serve!

Tips for Success

• Have faith in the process. I know it’s weird to add water to lasagna. I know it’s weird to break raw pasta into a bowl of sauce and cheeses. Just go with it! It’s worth it!
• Leftovers can be a bit dry. Splash it with water or warm with a bit of extra pasta sauce to help remedy this, or and/or warm it with some extra cheese.
• Buy pre-shredded cheese to make it even easier. Grab pre-shredded mozzarella and parm for the easiest prep ever!

I hope you adore this lazy lasagna recipe as much as I do! It’s one of those super easy shortcut recipes that makes dinner easy yet is still delicious. Homemade is amazing, but sometimes it’s a relief to turn to a good store-bought jar of sauce when it helps get the job done!

More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Baked Boursin Pasta
• Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
• Pasta e Fagioli
• 10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces

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The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Recipe Ever

With a short list of ingredients and only 5 minutes prep (for real!) this lazy lasagna recipe uses lasagna noodles, sauce, and cheeses, literally just mixed into a bowl and dumped into your baking dish. The result is a delicious, crowd-pleasing, truly lazy lasagna!

Course entree, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword lazy lasagna, vegetarian lazy lasagna

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 19 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 500kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar [3 cups]; or your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided about 12 ounces
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan, divided about 4 ounces
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 tub; 2 cups
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 16 ounces lasagna noodles 1 box; broken into approximately 3-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh minced parsley if desired, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray if desired.
• To a large bowl, add the marinara sauce, one cup water (I like to swish the water in the marinara sauce jar to get the last bits out), 2 cups of the mozzarella, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan, ricotta, salt, and pepper. Stir well until completely combined.
• Break the lasagna noodles right into the bowl and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula until the pasta is completely coated.
• Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan, spreading into a relatively even layer (but it doesn't have to be perfect). Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
• Cover tightly with foil and bake for one hour, then remove the foil and drizzle the top with the olive oil. Bake for 15 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly on top and golden in spots.
• Top with chopped parsley, if desired, and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As with many pasta leftovers, this lazy lasagna can be a bit dry when reheating it, because the pasta soaks in any residual moisture as it sits. When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water to help it become saucy again. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 662mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 491mg | Iron: 1mg

The post The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Recipe Ever appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

We’ve got chickpeas, broccoli, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with cheddar and baked until melty and bubbling. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the casserole comfort when we have this cheesy, creamy chickpeas with pasta recipe!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Chickpeas with Pasta Recipe
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole
• Tips for Success
• More Chickpea Comfort Food Recipes
• Get Good Recipe Karma

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Fall is just about here, and with it, I’m craving all the comfort food. I’m also craving easy dinner recipes that have the bonus of easy leftovers for lunches or another dinner later on in the week. I’m also craving pasta and creamy broccoli cheddar.

Basically, this Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole is the result of all of my cravings.

I wanted to riff on tuna noodle casserole, but make it vegetarian, hence the chickpeas … but then I was really liking the idea of adding a cheesy component, and broccoli seemed like a natural addition.

I wrote down a recipe I thought would work and gave it a try, fully expecting to have to tweak it before the recipe hit prime time. It was perfect the first time. I LOVE it when that happens!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpeas with Pasta Recipe

It’s easy to make with homemade, wholesome ingredients. It starts with onion and garlic and some seasonings, then we add flour to make a roux. From there, we add veggie broth, milk, and cheese, creating a full-of-flavor, luxuriously creamy sauce. Stir in the pasta and broccoli and pour it into a casserole dish. Top with cheese, bake until bubbly, dig in!

All you need is a simple salad with a light vinaigrette alongside, or even just a hunk of bread, considering your casserole has some veggies already!

Ingredients

• Pasta – I love using curly pasta (rotini shape) in my chickpea pasta casserole. For an added boost of protein and in keeping with the theme, I like to opt for chickpea pasta, but plain ol’ pasta will do.
• Broccoli – You’ll want it blanched so that it’s cooked just right when you serve your casserole. It’s a pain to cook it separately, so I like to throw the broccoli in with the pasta in the last couple of minutes of cooking. Easy peasy way to accomplish blanched broccoli!
• Butter – I like to use unsalted in order to better control the overall salt levels. You can use half and half olive oil and butter instead, if you want to add a dose of healthy fats.
• Flour – To thicken the sauce for a luxuriously creamy result.
• Thyme, dried mustard, and smoked paprika – These herbs/seasonings add some nice flavor notes and highlight the cheesy flavor.
• Onion & garlic – For a nice backbone of flavor.
• Veggie broth – Grab some low-sodium vegetable broth at the store, or save your scraps and make vegetable broth in your Crock Pot!
• Milk – You can use dairy milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. I like to use full-fat oat milk in this one just because it’s super creamy and it’s what I usually have on hand.
• Chickpeas – One can (about 1 1/2 cups), drained and rinsed.
• Cheddar cheese – I like to use sharp cheddar for a nice cheesy boost of flavor.
• Salt & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Substitute vegan butter, vegan milk, and vegan cheddar, or you can even leave out the cheese entirely. It will still have excellent flavor!
• Vegan Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Leave out the cheese and top with breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs. You can even sauté some celery and red bell pepper and/or add some cauliflower florets with the broccoli to increase the veggie factor.
• Gluten-Free Chickpea Noodle Casserole: Use chickpea pasta or swap in brown rice pasta or another gluten-free pasta.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole

First, you’ll want to cook the pasta, but only to al dente (it will cook the rest of the way in the oven). In the last couple of minutes of cooking the pasta, toss in the broccoli so it’ll blanch. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

Next, you’ll make the creamy sauce. Just sauté the onion, add the flour and seasonings and cook, stirring frequently, then add the garlic.

Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring frequently, until thick and rich.

Now, you’ll toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli as well as the chickpeas and some of the cheddar. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like.

Scoop the mix evenly into the baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake until bubbly comfort food casserole perfection and devour!

Tips for Success

• Cook the pasta JUST until al dente. Otherwise, the end result might have mushy, overcooked pasta.
• Cook the flour for the full three minutes. This is important to prevent any raw flour taste.

More Chickpea Comfort Food Recipes

• BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea, & Red Lentil Curry
• Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup (with chickpeas)
• Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup
• Chickpea & Rice Soup
• Chickpea Tomato Curry
• Vegetarian Wellington
• Vegetarian White Bean Chili

Get Good Recipe Karma

If you love this recipe (or even if you don’t!) please, please, please come back and leave a rating! It’s so helpful for me to make sure this chickpea casserole recipe is just right – and it’s super beneficial for other readers, too.

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Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, full-of-flavor and super satisfying! This cozy chickpea casserole hits all the right notes and makes the perfect comfort-food meal.

Keyword broccoli cheddar chickpea noodle casserole, chickpea casserole, chickpea pasta, chickpeas with pasta recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 493kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta I like to use chickpea rotini pasta to increase the protein
• 4 cups broccoli florets 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 medium cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk I use full-fat unsweetened oat milk but 2% or whole milk work too
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 15 ounces chickpeas 1 can, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese about 6 ounces; shredded; divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and have an 8"x8" baking dish ready.
• Cook the pasta JUST TO AL DENTE, according to package directions. When the pasta has about 2 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli to the still-cooking pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set it aside.
• Set a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot, then add the onions. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, thyme, dry mustard, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring continuously for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously. Add the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli, the drained can of chickpeas, and 2 cups of the cheese. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Pour the mixture into your baking dish and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar, spreading it evenly over the top.
• Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted, 20-25 minutes. Serve.

Notes

Storage/reheating notes:

Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm leftovers in the microwave or gently over the stovetop (you can add a splash of water or broth if needed).

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 865mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1193IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 414mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Noodle Casserole Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

This fresh and easy Greek pasta salad brings orzo pasta, veggies, olives, and feta together with a Greek vinaigrette, and it’s absolutely divine. One of my fave pasta salad recipes yet!

I love this fresh and easy pasta salad so much. It’s packed with fresh veggies – crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red bell peppers. Fresh mint and parsley add bright flavor. Then there’s the full-of-flavor, Greek-salad inspired vinaigrette with oregano and Dijon mustard.

Oh, and can’t forget the Kalamata olives and salty feta. And tender orzo. Basically this salad is a conglomeration of everything I love. Except the word “conglomeration” is not the tastiest-sounding word, but I’m sure you catch my drift. It’s DELISH.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Greek Orzo Salad
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’m a huge fan of pasta salad, and especially orzo pasta salad. There’s just something about that rice-sized pasta that works so well in a pasta salad, soaking up the flavors around it, adding amazing texture, yet letting the veggies shine.

In the past, I’ve created an orzo chickpea olive salad, an orzo chickpea cherry tomato salad, and an orzo pasta salad with hazelnuts and cherries.

But I’ve been on a massive Greek salad kick this year, so it was time to combine the classic elements of Greek salad with pasta salad, and here we are: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad.

Why You’ll Love Greek Orzo Salad

Well, for one, this salad tastes amazing! It’s so fresh and lively.

It’s also super meal-prep friendly: It’s one of those refrigerator-friendly salads that you can make ahead of time and enjoy all week long as a side dish or easy lunch salad.

It’s also the perfect potluck or BBQ salad. Be prepared for recipe requests!

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: You’ll want about half a box, or 8 ounces, of orzo.
• Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes will work, too. Cut them in half, or, if they’re large, go ahead and quarter them.
• English cucumber: I love English cucumbers because you don’t have to peel them and they’re always crisp and full of flavor. If you use a standard cuke, you’ll want to peel it first. Persian cucumbers are great in this, too!
• Red bell pepper: Feel free to substitute orange or yellow if you like. Bonus: An even MORE colorful Greek pasta salad!
• Feta: I love the salty and creamy notes feta adds to the mix. It also doesn’t get more Greek than that!
• Kalamata olives: Grab the already-pitted ones to make it easier on yourself.
• Parsley & mint: Fresh herbs add so much flavor and pretty color.

For the dressing:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar: White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar will also work.
• Dijon mustard: Adds flavor and emulsifies the dressing.
• Garlic: Finely mince it, or use a Microplane zester to get it extra fine.
• Oregano, salt, & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (shown in the ingredients photo but not strictly necessary) for a bonus boost of flavor.
• Swap the orzo for a straight-up Greek pasta salad: You don’t have to use orzo if you can’t find it or don’t want to! Any small or medium pasta shape will do. Small shells or rotini are especially good.
• Vegan option: Omit the feta cheese. This salad is still delicious without it! You might want to add a pinch or two extra of salt, or some extra olives, to compensate for it. 
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free orzo pasta. 

How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

First, you’ll want to cook the orzo so that it has time to cool.

Next, mix together the vinaigrette. I love the shortcut of mixing the vinaigrette right in the bottom of the salad bowl. Less dishes!

Then, add the veggies, feta, olives, and herbs to the bowl along with the cooled orzo.

From there, toss everything together. You’re done!

Tips for Success

• For the flavors to really meld, place your Greek orzo pasta salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
• You can make this salad up to 4 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir to freshen it up before serving. I might sprinkle a few extra fresh herbs on top right before serving too, just to make it look extra pretty.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
• Chickpea Orzo Salad with Olives & Capers
• Cherry Tomato Chickpea Orzo Salad
• Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
• Cherry Hazelnut Orzo Salad

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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

The perfect combo of pasta salad + Greek salad! Fresh, crisp veggies pair up with tender pasta, fresh herbs, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy feta plus a full-of-flavor Greek vinaigrette.

Keyword greek orzo salad, greek pasta salad

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 207kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 8 ounces orzo pasta about 1 1/3 cups
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 English cucumber chopped; about 1 cup
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced; about 1 cup
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint minced

For the Greek vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove minced or finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool. If you're in a hurry, you can rinse it with cold water to cool it, but I prefer not to rinse if it I can avoid it.
• Make the Greek vinaigrette right in your salad bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl until emulsified.
• Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, olives, parsley, and mint to the bowl.
• Add the cooled orzo to the bowl.
• Stir gently but thoroughly, coating all of the ingredients with the vinaigrette.
• Serve immediately, or, for best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to melt together.

Notes

Vegan option: 

Omit the feta cheese. This salad is still delicious without it! You might want to add a pinch or two extra of salt, or some extra olives, to compensate for it. 

Gluten-free option:

Use gluten-free orzo pasta. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

When you’re looking for a straight-up, classic, no-frills pasta salad, this is the best macaroni salad for the job!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Ingredients
• Macaroni Salad Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Macaroni Salad
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I created this recipe a handful of years ago, when we were knee-deep in strange COVID times. And by “created” I mean I wanted to replicate deli-style, classic, creamy macaroni salad in all its glory.

Some veggies, but not a lot. Super, duper creamy and flavorful dressing – far from dry. Perfectly al dente pasta, preferably elbow macaroni.

I focused on a flavorful dressing and just a few crunchy but not dominant veggies. I hit on this combo and stopped there. I’ve made this SO many times since then, and have shared it with others who have requested it. It was past time to share it here!

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – Go with the classic, nothing else will do! Okay, so you can absolutely use a different medium pasta. Penne, rotini, bow tie. But I am very, very partial to elbow macaroni for this creamy pasta salad.
• Red onion – I like the mild taste and the color that some finely diced red onion adds to this macaroni salad.
• Celery – Cut small, for a bit of flavor and crunch.
• Red bell pepper – Adds some more pretty color and the fresh crunch is delicious!
• Parsley – You can stir some in, or garnish the top. Your choice!
• Dill pickles & juice – Dice up some dill pickles. It’s necessary! Plus, some juice from the jar adds tangy flavor to the creamy dressing.
• Mayo – Real, whole, full fat mayo
• Yellow mustard – Straight up classic mustard, please! Though I’d imagine Dijon would add nice flavor too.
• Sugar – I know, an odd ingredient for macaroni salad! But this adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing that makes this salad taste like the deli classic.
• Salt & pepper – Adjust to your taste.

Macaroni Salad Adaptations/Variations

• This salad is easily made vegan by subbing a vegan mayo.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. I love brown rice pasta for pasta salads.
• Add more veggies if you like. I won’t judge! Cucumbers, peas, blanched broccoli, carrots … whatever you like!
• Add cubes of cheese, beans, or salami for a heartier pasta salad.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

It’s super easy to make. Just cook your pasta, let it cool, chop your veggies, add your dressing, and toss it all together!

Tips for Success

• Salt your pasta water. It’s true, it does add more flavor to pasta!
• Cook your pasta al dente. If your pasta is overcooked, your macaroni salad can end up being a bit mushy.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Israeli Couscous & Green Lentil Salad
• Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
• Orzo Chickpea Pasta Salad with Olives
• Orzo Salad with Chickpeas & Cherry Tomatoes
• Peanut Noodle Salad

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Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Classic, creamy macaroni salad with a mayo-based dressing! This traditional macaroni salad is exactly what you think of when you picture macaroni salad.

Keyword classic pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, macaroni salad, pasta salad with mayo

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 411kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni about 2 cups
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced about 3/4 cup
• 1/4 red onion, diced about 1/4 cup
• 1 celery stalk, diced about 1/2 cup
• 2 tablespoons finely diced dill pickles
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley for garnish [optional]

Instructions

• Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, add the mayo, mustard, dill pickle juice, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir together until well-combined. Add the macaroni along with the diced veggies and pickles. Toss until the macaroni and veggies are evenly coated. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you feel it's needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Vegan option:

This salad is easily made vegan by subbing a vegan mayo.

Gluten free option: 

Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. I love brown rice pasta for pasta salads.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 544mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 488IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Just throw cherry tomatoes and blocks of cheese in a baking dish, bake until tender and soft …

… Then just stir it, add the spinach and add a little pasta water to make a sauce, and stir in your cooked pasta! This Boursin Pasta recipe is seriously SO easy and so, so good.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• About This Recipe for Boursin Pasta Bake
• Boursin Pasta Recipe Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Baked Boursin Pasta
• Tips for Success
• What to Serve With Baked Boursin Pasta
• More Cheesy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Okay, so here’s what I have to admit that I really dislike TikTok. I tried it back when it was first becoming popular, and I hated it. I’d just be scrolling (and scrolling and scrolling) along when WHAM! Something super disturbing would slap me in the face. Maybe it was a cute little dog getting hurt. Maybe it was people laughing in a distraught crying kid’s face. I don’t know, I’m sensitive. I didn’t like that feeling. Yet it was also weirdly addicting, but ultimately, I peaced out of TikTok.

But then Instagram came up with a version of TikTok called Reels, and, yeah. I can handle those! I think that’s more … my demographic? Gen X here, so, you know. That and Facebook.

There are still a few slap-me-in-the-face moments, but the algorithm is super dialed in now so they’re pretty few and far between. Basically it’s recipes, home decor, cute dogs (especially dachshunds, my kid is obsessed), and Taylor Swift (my kid and I are both obsessed).

Anyway, since I opted out of TikTok, I’ve missed out on the whole FoodTok viral recipe genre. Many of those recipes make their way over to Instagram, so I do see some now and then. But I suspect I miss a lot of others. (Note that I tried TikTok again recently to peruse FoodTok and it was still a hard nope for me! It’s crazy over there!)

I realize my loathing of TikTok makes me sound old. I mean, at this point, I kind of am. The other day, my kid and I were talking about TikTok and I accidentally called it Tik-Tac, and now if we ever reference it it’s going to be in an old lady voice with the phrase “oh, oh, you found it on the Tik-Tac?!”

Anyway, I digress.

Baked Feta Pasta was, I believe, one of the first viral TikTok recipes. Basically, you take a hunk of feta, place it in a baking dish, and roast it up with the tomatoes. Then, you stir the melty feta and juicy baked tomatoes, and it makes a cheesy sauce that’s amazing with pasta. I’m a fan and have made it a gazillion times, more or less.

But I have to admit, I like this variation, Boursin Pasta, even better. (This Boursin Pasta, by the way, is also known as TikTok Boursin Pasta – it was viral there too. Can’t get away from it!)

Maybe someday I’ll get back on that there Tik Tac to share about it. But for now, I’m just going to share it here. And maybe on Facebook and Instagram!

About This Recipe for Boursin Pasta Bake

I really like that Boursin cheese has garlic and herb flavors. And if you like that too, you can actually use two blocks of Boursin.

I find that two blocks are a bit overwhelming, so, enter: Cream cheese! Half a block of cream cheese along with one hunk of Boursin makes a full-of-flavor sauce that’s luxuriously creamy and makes the perfect Boursin pasta bake, in my opinion.

We’ve also got some spinach in there because that’s how I like to roll with my Boursin pasta bake.

Boursin Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes – Any will do. They’ll bake up bubbly and soft, then you smash them and mix them all up and it’s Boursin cheese pasta heaven!
• Garlic – A few cloves, cooked, then smashed into the sauce. Yum!
• Olive oil – Use your fave.
• Italian seasoning – This easy dried herb mix adds wonderful flavor to this Boursin cheese pasta recipe. Grab a bottle from the store, or make your own Italian seasoning replacement at home!
• Salt & pepper – To taste.
• Boursin cheese – I use the most common Boursin cheese, the garlic and fine herbs version.
• Cream cheese – Half a block (4 ounces) of your standard cream cheese.
• Spinach – This is optional, but I love the added heft and nutrition, and I think the spinach is so good with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Lemon juice – This just adds a nice hit of brightness and vibrant flavor to your baked Boursin pasta.
• Pasta – I use penne here, but use any pasta you like! I do think that medium tubular pastas are best with the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan and parsley – For a little added flavor and color, garnish with these two ingredients.

Adaptations/Variations

• One dish, two ways: Stir cooked, shredded chicken into the meat-eaters’ portions.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice spirals would be delicious!
• Double up on the Boursin and omit the cream cheese for an extra Boursin-y Boursin pasta recipe.
• Add more pasta. If you want to stretch this baked Boursin pasta recipe to feed more people, you can use up to 12 ounces pasta instead of the 8 ounces the recipe calls for. You may want to increase the amount of pasta water to 1 cup to compensate for the extra pasta.
• Add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes tossed in with the seasonings or sprinkle individual portions with a pinch or two when serving.

How to Make Baked Boursin Pasta

It’s so easy to make this Boursin cheese pasta recipe!

Preheat your oven, then toss the tomatoes and garlic with the olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Make space in the center and place your Boursin cheese and cream cheese in the middle.

Bake until the cherry tomatoes and garlic are soft, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Meanwhile, cook and drain your pasta.

Use a fork to smash the cherry tomatoes and garlic and start mixing the sauce together.

Stir in the spinach and lemon juice, then drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water. Stir until a sauce forms. It will be a bit thin at first.

Add your pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little more pasta water.

Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley and serve!

Tips for Success

• Boursin can be expensive! The best place I’ve found to buy it is Costco. They sell a three pack for the same price that I’ve found for one at other retail stores.
• Chop up the spinach so it’s smaller and more bite-size, and also is able to wilt directly within the sauce. Be sure to add it when the cheese and tomatoes are bubbling hot, before you add the pasta and pasta water, which should give it ample time to wilt/cook.

What to Serve With Baked Boursin Pasta

• Hearty kale salad stands up to the bold flavors in this TikTok baked pasta dish.
• A simple loaf of garlic bread goes perfectly with this Boursin pasta!
• How about some classic Wacky Cake for dessert?!

More Cheesy Pasta Recipes

• One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
• The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Ever
• Veggie Mac & Cheese
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

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Baked Boursin Pasta

TikTok-famous Boursin pasta with Boursin garlic & herb cheese plus cream cheese, baked together with tomatoes & garlic, for a super creamy pasta sauce that's ridiculously easy to make!

Course Main Course, pasta

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword baked boursin pasta, boursin cheese pasta recipe, boursin pasta, boursin pasta bake, boursin pasta recipe, boursin tomato pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 457kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9"x13" baking dish
• 1 large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves peeled but left whole
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5.2 ounces Boursin garlic & herb cheese 1 package
• 4 ounces cream cheese 1/2 block
• 8 ounces penne pasta or another favorite medium pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed [plus more to taste]
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly chopped about 3 ounces

Toppings

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375℉. 
• Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and olive oil to a 9×13” baking dish. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. 
• Create space in the center of the baking dish and place the Boursin cheese and cream cheese in the middle of the tomatoes and garlic cloves. 
• Place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes and garlic are soft and fork-tender. 
• While the dish is baking, boil the pasta per the directions on the package. Then set the pasta aside. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
• When done baking, use a fork to mash the tomatoes and garlic. Add the lemon juice and the spinach to the baking dish and stir to combine it with the softened cheeses, tomatoes, and garlic. 
• Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce in the baking dish and mix it together. Pour the cooked pasta into the baking dish and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce seems to need to be thinned out more, add the remaining cooking water.
• Taste and add more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Garnish the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve. 

Notes

Aug. 1, 2024 recipe update: Reduced the amount of lemon juice from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon (plus more to taste) based on reader feedback that the lemon was a bit too strong.

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water.

One dish, two ways option

Stir cooked, shredded chicken into the meat-eaters’ portions.

Gluten-free option

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice spirals would be delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 457kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2856IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Baked Boursin Pasta appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

The fact that it comes together quickly and easy in a single pan is a bonus! We love this vegetarian chili mac – and I think (hope!) you will too.

When I tell you I’ve been working on this One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac recipe for YEARS, I’m not exaggerating! It’s not that vegetarian chili mac is a complicated recipe, it’s just that it took me a bit of time, moving away from it and coming back to it, and then finally several chili mac dinners over the past couple of years – to get it just right.

The result is a perfectly cheesy chili mac recipe that’s super hearty – and delicious! – despite its meatless status.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Macaroni
• Vegetarian Chili Mac Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
• Tips for Success
• Can I Freeze Chili Mac?
• More One Pot Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I created a vegetarian chili mac recipe over a decade ago for another website, and always wanted to circle back around to it, because something about it didn’t feel quite perfect. I felt like I used a bit too much chili powder to make up for the fact that it was a relatively quick recipe – there wasn’t much time for the flavors to all develop. I also suggested cooking the pasta in a separate pan, which felt like a step we might not have to make – couldn’t the pasta cook up in the pan right with the chili?

I added this one back into my “recipes I’m developing” folder, and over the past couple of years, I’ve been making vegetarian chili mac for dinner every few weeks, until I got it just right.

My first goal was to make this a one-pot chili mac without having to cook the pasta separately. I took a cue from Recipe Tin Eats’ chili mac recipe, where she cooks the pasta right in the pan with everything else, after browning the ground beef.

I added the broth and macaroni right to the pan, and, yay! Easy peasy vegetarian chili mac in one pot.

This method has bonus of time, which turns out to be a win-win. The extra 10 minutes or so that it takes the pasta to cook also allows the chili flavors to develop without having to go overboard on the chili powder.

My first recipe called for 2 tablespoons of chili powder. This one takes more like 2 teaspoons. (I think it’s perfect this way, but if you want more chili powder, go for it!)

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Macaroni

Well, first of all, this vegetarian chili mac tastes amazing! It’s hearty and a little spicy and cheesy. Total comfort food.

If you’re feeding meat-eaters, I’m willing to bet they won’t miss the ground beef that you find in traditional chili mac recipes. My resident meat-eater is a huge fan of this vegetarian chili mac. But I have provided an easy option to give this the one-dish-two-ways treatment, for half vegetarian chili mac and half with meat.

I use two cans of beans for some extra heartiness and protein, and I think that it’s the perfect pasta-to-bean ratio.

I’m willing to bet you’ll also love how easy this one-pot vegetarian chili mac is to make! The one-pan preparation is so satisfying, and half the time is hands-off. Just enough time to whip up a salad or easy veggie side.

Vegetarian Chili Mac Ingredients

• Kidney beans – I use two cans of cooked kidney beans in this vegetarian chili mac. I like that they’re big and hearty and even a little – dare I say – meaty. I also feel like using two cans instead of one provides the perfect bean-to-pasta ratio.
• Pasta – I like to use classic elbows in my chili mac, but other medium tubular pasta shapes work great too. Penne is great!
• Crushed tomatoes – I prefer my chili mac without any chunks of tomatoes, but if you like it that way, feel free to sub in some diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes would be great.
• Veggie broth – I like to use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control my salt levels.
• Onion & green pepper – These veggies add flavor and some nutrients. Win-win!
• Garlic – Garlic + chili flavors = a must.
• Oregano, chili powder, and cumin – The chili trifecta.
• Cheese – I like to use sharp cheddar in my chili mac recipe. Feel free to use medium or mild if you prefer.
• Salt & pepper – adjust to your liking.

Adaptations/Variations

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegan Chili Mac & Cheese – Leave out the cheese, or swap in a vegan cheese that melts well.
• Meaty Chili Mac & Cheese – After sauteeing the veggies and garlic, add lean ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Continue with the recipe.
• One Dish Two Ways – Cook 1/2 pound of ground beef in a separate skillet. Before topping your chili mac with cheese, move half of it over to the skillet with the ground beef. Top both with some cheese and serve.
• Gluten-Free Vegetarian Chili Mac – Swap in your favorite GF pasta. Watch your cooking times as it may take a longer or shorter amount of time to cook. Splash in more broth if needed.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas:

• Change up the beans: Feel free to use your favorite beans, or swap one can of kidney beans for another! I’ve used black beans, cannellini beans, and chili beans. All good!
• Use whole wheat pasta: Sometimes I sub in a whole grain pasta for a heartier veg chili mac. Also excellent!

How to Make One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

It’s simple! First, sauté your onion and green pepper until tender. Add the garlic and oregano, and sauté for another minute. Then, add the chili powder and the cumin and cook, stirring, until the veggies are coated and the dish is nice and aromatic.

From there, add the tomatoes, beans, veggie broth, and pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, then add some of the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Top with more cheddar and scallions and cilantro if you like.

That’s it! I told you this One Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac was easy. 😊

Tips for Success

• Add sugar if it’s tasting acidic: Some canned tomatoes are rather acidic; if you find your chili mac is tasting acidic, I recommend stirring in a teaspoon or two of granulated sugar or honey. Sounds weird, but it does an amazing job of taming the acidity and rounding out the flavors!
• Add more broth if needed: If your pasta hasn’t cooked through but your chili mac is getting dry, splash in some more broth, a little at a time, until cooked through.

Can I Freeze Chili Mac?

Yes! Now I will say, freezing, thawing, and reheating pasta dishes can make pasta a bit mushier than you might like. So keep that in mind.

To freeze any leftovers, just allow it to cool to room temp, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then place it in a skillet to warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too dry. I like to top it with a little extra cheese to make it look extra appetizing.

It can be reheated in the microwave, too.

More One Pot Pasta Recipes

• One-Pot Pasta Primavera
• One-Pot Pasta Florentine
• One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
• Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli

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One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac

This hearty, saucy, and cheesy chili mac is comfort food nirvana! It comes together quickly and easily in a single pan, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Course entree, Main Course

Keyword one pot chili mac, one pot vegetarian chili mac, one pot vegetarian chili mace, vegetarin chili mac and cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 392kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 large skillet

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion diced; about 1 cup
• 1 small green bell pepper diced; about 1 cup
• 2 medium garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta 2 cups
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

• Set a large pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion and bell pepper along with a little pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender, about 7 minutes.
• Add the garlic, oregano, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, macaroni, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Increase the heat to high, until boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook, stirring frequently to keep the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is just tender, about 12 minutes. If the mixture gets very dry, splash with a little more veggie broth.
• Remove from heat and stir one cup of the cheese, until melted. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Cover with the remaining cheddar and place the lid on the pan to trap the heat and melt the cheddar, one minute or so.
• Serve with cilantro, chopped scallions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop in a lidded pan with a splash of water. 

To freeze any leftovers, just allow it to cool to room temp, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then place it in a skillet to warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too dry. I like to top it with a little extra cheese to make it look extra appetizing.

It can be reheated in the microwave, too.

Vegan option:

Leave out the cheese, or swap in a vegan cheese that melts well.

One Dish Two Ways option:

Cook 1/2 pound of ground beef in a separate skillet. Before topping your chili mac with cheese, move half of it over to the skillet with the ground beef. Top both with some cheese and serve.

Gluten-Free option:

Swap in your favorite GF pasta. Watch your cooking times as it may take a longer or shorter amount of time to cook. Splash in more broth if needed.

Substitution Ideas:

• Swap one or both cans of kidney beans for another. I’ve used black beans, cannellini beans, and chili beans. 

• Use whole wheat pasta of GF pasta in place of the pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 704IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 4mg

The post One-Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.