Vegetable Casserole with Broccoli, Mushroom, Spinach and Cheese
Broccoli, Mushroom, Spinach and Cheese Pasta is a sophisticated and healthier vegetarian version of macaroni and cheese, using Fontina and Parmesan instead of Cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, too!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 342kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounce whole wheat ziti pasta
- 3/4 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter divided use
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms button, cremini, shiitake or a mix
- 2 shallots peeled and chopped
- 3 cups fat free milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated Fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided use
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees (see Note below). Butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
- In a large stockpot, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until almost tender but still al dente.
- While the pastas cooks, place broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam until crisp-tender.
- Drain pasta, return to pot and add the broccoli. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 teaspoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and shallots and cook 5 minutes or until tender.
- In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the milk. Sift the flour over the top of the milk, and whisk until well blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir the flour mixture into the mushroom mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in spinach. Remove from heat and stir in Fontina and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add mushroom sauce to pasta mixture and toss until well blended.
- Place in prepared baking dish.
- In a small skillet or saucepan, melt remaining 1 teaspoon of butter. Stir in breadcrumbs and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over top of pasta mixture.
- Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and the top begins to brown.
Notes
Note on cooking temperature: casserole can also be baked at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes.
Make ahead: Casserole can be prepared but not baked up to three days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Cover with foil to bake and increase cooking time to 30 minutes, then uncover dish and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until beginning to brown.
Note: This recipe was originally published in my cookbook Fresh Tastes.
Nutrition
Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2357IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 353mg | Iron: 3mg