Description
A comforting and hearty Minestrone Casserole packed with fresh vegetables, white beans, and pasta, all baked with a cheesy topping for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like elbow or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the diced zucchini, baby spinach, diced tomatoes, drained white beans, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked small pasta to the skillet, stir well, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a casserole dish before baking if your skillet is not oven-safe.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly and use vegetarian cheeses.
- You can substitute small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini for best results.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- This casserole is great for leftovers and reheats well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
