One Step Pasta Casserole
A quick and hearty pasta casserole featuring beans, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights. Its comforting flavors and simple ingredients make it a family favorite, combining wholesome vegetables with pasta in a savory, cheesy dish that comes together in just one step.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 to 19 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup small pasta (tubetti, orzo or small shells) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chicken flavored instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2 1/2-quart casserole, cook olive oil, garlic, and onion, covered, on High for 3 to 5 minutes until tender, stirring halfway through.
- Add kidney beans with liquid, tomato sauce, pasta, bouillon, and 3/4 cup water.
- Cook covered on High for 14 to 18 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir halfway through cooking.
- Stir in thawed peas and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano, which can enhance the taste of the dish. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or chickpeas can be good substitutes. To make it a vegetarian dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. Additionally, feel free to swap the pasta type based on your preference or availability.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of Hearty Potatoes, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, covered, to retain moisture, or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Step Pasta Casserole contains roughly 734 calories, with 15g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in this casserole?
Yes, whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier option. If you're looking for gluten-free options, gluten-free pasta varieties work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster or slower than regular pasta.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also serve the casserole with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice up their portions.
Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for added protein. Just cook the meat separately, then mix it in with the other ingredients before covering and cooking the casserole.
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).