Simply Sinful Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole combining velvety soups, melted Velveeta, pasta, and broccoli, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream of celery, mushroom, and chicken soups with margarine and milk in a large pot.
- Add the Velveeta cheese (cut into small pieces) and heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the cavatelli noodles according to the package instructions. Thaw the frozen broccoli.
- Combine the cooked noodles and broccoli with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the cavatelli with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. If you want to add some protein, cooked chicken or sausage can be mixed in. To enhance flavors, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a comforting option, it complements well with chicken recipes like Chicken-Vegetable Pot Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simply Sinful Casserole contains roughly 696 calories, with 12g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1105mg per serving (48% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it's tender and cooks properly while baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the foil and heat it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
What can I do if the cheese sauce is too thick?
If you find your cheese sauce is too thick after melting the Velveeta, simply stir in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Adjusting the thickness can help the sauce spread more easily over the noodles and broccoli.
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).