Vegetarian Macaroni
A hearty vegetarian baked macaroni dish featuring fresh vegetables, melted cheeses, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 ounces thinly sliced part-skim mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped red or green peppers ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 8 ounces can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray (PAM).
- Layer the uncooked macaroni in the baking dish.
- Spread cottage cheese over the macaroni and sprinkle with basil and oregano.
- Add chopped peppers, sliced zucchini (or broccoli) as layers over the cheese.
- Evenly distribute sliced mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
- Pour chicken broth over the entire mixture.
- Spread tomato paste over the top.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the cheese layers. If you prefer a different texture, swap zucchini for broccoli. For a creamier dish, mix in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. You can also substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a completely vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vegetarian Macaroni as a hearty main dish paired with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For a twist, consider pairing it with Chicken-Dinner On The Grill for a mixed menu that caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Macaroni contains roughly 739 calories, with 29g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (161% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Vegetarian Macaroni gluten-free, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the broth and cheese, are certified gluten-free as well.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider mixing in cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also top the dish with some sautéed tofu or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).