Pasta And Vegetables
A comforting pasta dish featuring corkscrew macaroni, colorful vegetables, and a creamy cheddar sauce, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- Add carrots, broccoli, and pepper during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the cooked pasta and vegetables.
- In the same saucepan, combine the cream of celery soup, milk, prepared mustard, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is heated through.
- Add the drained pasta and vegetables to the sauce and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half the milk with sour cream. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can replace corkscrew macaroni with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free varieties. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and for a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish also works well as a base for Cheddar Vegetable Squares.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta and vegetables dish as a hearty main course or a delightful side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle additional shredded Cheddar cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Vegetables contains roughly 556 calories, with 18g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (137% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1354mg per serving (59% 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! While corkscrew macaroni is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even rotini would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the chosen pasta.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade version by combining equal parts of heavy cream and vegetable broth with sautéed celery and onions for flavor. This will give you a similar creamy consistency while adding a different taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pasta and vegetables dish is vegetarian-friendly! With no meat ingredients and a focus on vegetables and cheese, it's a perfect option for those following a vegetarian diet. For a vegan version, consider using plant-based cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative.
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).