Confetti Macaroni Bake

Confetti Macaroni Bake Recipe - Italian Pasta Dish with Colorful Vegetables and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Confetti Macaroni Bake is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines whole wheat macaroni with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. This hearty and satisfying casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Confetti Macaroni Bake are not clear, but it is likely a modern twist on traditional macaroni and cheese recipes. By adding a variety of colorful vegetables and seasonings, this dish becomes a nutritious and delicious meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat elbows
2 cups boiling water
1 lb (454 g) low-fat cottage cheese
0.5 sweet red pepper, diced
0.5 sweet green pepper, diced
1 cup yellow squash, sliced
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 can (6 oz (170 g)) tomato paste, no salt added
1 can (16 oz (454 g)) tomatoes, quartered with juice
3 tbsp parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Layer the macaroni, water, cottage cheese, peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, and onion evenly in a baking dish.
Sprinkle the seasonings over the layers, then add a layer of tomato paste, tomatoes, and juice.
Sprinkle cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours, leaving the dish uncovered.

Variations

Add cooked ground turkey or chicken for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

- For a creamier texture, you can mix in some milk or cream with the cottage cheese before layering it in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Confetti Macaroni Bake can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in the baking dish allows the flavors to meld together as the dish bakes, creating a delicious and cohesive meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole wheat elbows, you can use regular macaroni or any other type of pasta you prefer. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for ones you enjoy or have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Confetti Macaroni Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed when ready.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Confetti Macaroni Bake pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Confetti Macaroni Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Confetti Macaroni Bake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Confetti Macaroni Bake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Confetti Macaroni Bake contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Confetti Macaroni Bake contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Confetti Macaroni Bake is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium due to the variety of vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese and parmesan cheese) and wheat (whole wheat elbows), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Confetti Macaroni Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Confetti Macaroni Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its colorful vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a rainy afternoon and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful and festive dish caught my eye - Confetti Macaroni Bake.

The recipe called for simple ingredients like macaroni, ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. But what truly set this dish apart was the addition of colorful vegetables like carrots, corn, and peas, giving it a vibrant and cheerful appearance. I had never seen anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I decided to make the Confetti Macaroni Bake for Sunday dinner, a meal that my family always looked forward to. As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my own grandmother in the kitchen, effortlessly whipping up delicious meals for our family. She was my inspiration, my mentor, and my guiding light when it came to cooking.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with tantalizing aromas, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken a recipe from the past and brought it to life in my own kitchen, adding my own personal touch along the way.

When the Confetti Macaroni Bake was finally ready, I set it on the table and called my family to join me. Their eyes widened in delight as they took in the colorful array of vegetables and melted cheese. I served them each a generous portion and waited anxiously for their verdict.

To my joy and relief, they all raved about how delicious the dish was. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that left us all feeling warm and content. I knew then that the Confetti Macaroni Bake would become a staple in our family's recipe repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Confetti Macaroni Bake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all become fans of this colorful and flavorful dish.

I often think about the origins of the recipe, wondering where it came from and who first created it. Perhaps it was passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. Or maybe it was a stroke of culinary genius by someone who simply wanted to brighten up a dreary day with a cheerful and hearty meal.

Regardless of its origins, the Confetti Macaroni Bake has become a symbol of love, tradition, and creativity in my family. It represents the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones, of taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary.

As I write this, I can't help but smile at the thought of future generations carrying on the tradition of making the Confetti Macaroni Bake. I hope that they will look back on this recipe with the same fondness and nostalgia that I do, remembering the times spent gathered around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and delicious food.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild. May you enjoy making it as much as I have, and may it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about infusing each dish with love, creativity, and a touch of magic. Happy cooking, my dear, and may your kitchen always be filled with the wonderful aromas of good food and happy memories.