Cheddary Pasta And Vegetables
Cheddary Pasta and Vegetables is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender pasta with fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peppers. The creamy cheddar sauce makes it a family-friendly meal, perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, prepare macaroni according to package directions.
- Add carrots, broccoli, and peppers for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
- Drain the macaroni and vegetables.
- In a saucepan, combine cream of celery soup, shredded Cheddar cheese, milk, and prepared mustard.
- Heat over low heat until the cheese melts, stirring often.
- Add the drained macaroni and vegetables to the sauce.
- Heat through, stirring occasionally, until hot and well coated.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce. If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or make a simple white sauce. For a vegetarian option, ensure your cheese is rennet-free. Adding a handful of frozen peas along with the other vegetables can also boost nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddary Pasta and Vegetables can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad like Cucumber And Chicken Salad for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting dessert option, consider serving Old Fashioned Brownies or Fudge Cake to complete the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddary Pasta And Vegetables contains roughly 591 calories, with 21g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (139% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time. Simply combine them with the cheese sauce and store in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights!
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
If you prefer a lighter version, consider using whole wheat macaroni and low-fat cheese. This can make the dish healthier while still maintaining its comforting appeal.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Cheddary Pasta and Vegetables can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).