Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole
A kid-friendly baked pasta dish featuring melted cheddar cheese and finely grated hidden vegetables for a nutritious twist. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, medium, finely grated carrot, small, finely grated zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 medium, finely grated carrot
- 1 small, finely grated zucchini
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 medium finely grated carrot and 1 small finely grated zucchini into the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika.
- Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese-vegetable sauce, stirring gently to coat all pasta.
- Step 7: Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cheddar and Hidden Veggie Pasta Casserole?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
