Cheesy Vegetable Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy vegetable macaroni combines tender zucchini, garlic, and savory sauce, making it a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil and cook sliced zucchini with minced garlic until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Prego extra chunky mushroom and diced onion spaghetti sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the sauce with hot cooked corkscrew macaroni.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the zucchini with broccoli or bell peppers. If you prefer a creamier sauce, mix in some cream cheese or ricotta with the spaghetti sauce. To enhance the garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the skillet. For a vegetarian twist, ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Vegetable Macaroni pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad like Susie'S Grape Blueberry Salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. For extra protein, serve with grilled chicken or a side of roasted vegetables. Top with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Vegetable Macaroni contains roughly 976 calories, with 15g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (156% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1478mg per serving (64% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any shape of pasta works well in this recipe. Just ensure it's cooked al dente for the best texture. Penne or shells would be excellent substitutes that hold the sauce nicely.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the corkscrew macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great and will work perfectly in this dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them before serving and reheat as instructed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests!
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).