If you love the soul-warming flavors of classic minestrone soup but want something more filling and oven-ready, this Minestrone Casserole is your new go-to. Packed with tender pasta, garden veggies, tomatoes, and topped with melty mozzarella, it’s a one-dish wonder that transforms the beloved Italian soup into a cheesy, bubbling, feel-good bake.
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy meatless Monday meal, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a wholesome twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
Minestrone has always been one of my favorite soups—it’s full of texture, veggies, and Italian flavor. But let’s be honest: sometimes I want something that I can bake once, serve hot, and enjoy leftovers of later. That’s why this casserole version is genius. You still get the hearty goodness of pasta, tomato, and herbs, but now with a bubbly cheese top and a cozy oven-baked vibe.
Plus, it’s totally customizable—use whatever veggies or pasta you have on hand.
📋 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape like penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen carrots, peas, corn, or a fresh mix)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🥦 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great too.
- Veggie upgrades: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Protein idea: Toss in canned white beans or chickpeas for added heartiness.
- Cheese swap: Try shredded provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), mixed vegetables, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Layer & top: Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is lightly golden.
- Serve hot: Let cool slightly and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
🔥 Tips for Casserole Success
- Cook pasta just al dente: It will soften further while baking.
- Don’t skip the olive oil: It helps bind the mix and enhances the roasted flavor.
- Broil for golden cheese: Want a bubbly top? Broil for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
🍽 What to Serve With Minestrone Casserole
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter bites and zesty sips:
- Blueberry Lemonade to brighten the richness
- Dorito Casserole for a fun, spicy companion
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas to round out a casual buffet
- Instant Pot Lasagna for a pasta-lover’s dream lineup
- Crockpot Nacho Dip as a party-style appetizer
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without cheese) and bake straight from frozen—just add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
🥘 More Recipes You’ll Love
If this cozy casserole hit the spot, check out these other feel-good favorites:
Final Thoughts
The Minestrone Casserole brings all the veggie-rich comfort of a classic soup in an easier-to-serve, cheesier, and even more satisfying format. It’s easy to prep, family-friendly, and makes excellent leftovers—what more could you ask from a weekday meal?
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac—we’d love to see your baked masterpieces!
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