This easy and healthy casserole is a great way to use up all those vegetables from your garden. It feeds a crowd and tastes amazing! Perfect meatless dinner for a summer night.
1poundbroccoli2 crowns (or you can use frozen florets. Thaw them first.)*
12ouncesrotini pastaI used the multicolored kind
1largetomatochopped**
1pintcherry tomatoesdivided
1mediumonionchopped
2-3clovesgarlic minced
15ounceswhite beans1 can, drained
1/2cupbasil leaveschopped
1cupshredded mozzarella
8ouncesmozzarellafresh, chopped
1/4cupParmesan
olive oil
1/4cupbasil leavesfresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a very large bowl, stir together cottage cheese, eggs, lemon juice, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil in a 3-quart pot. Add about a tablespoon of salt.
While it's heating up, cut your broccoli into similar-sized florets.
When the water is boiling, add the broccoli then immediately cover with a lid. Keep the heat on high. Set a timer for 3 minutes, then use a slotted spoon (don't drain!) to remove the broccoli to the bowl with the cottage cheese.
Bring the remaining water back up to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander, then add the noodles to the bowl and stir.
Add the chopped tomato to the bowl. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and reserve about a cup for the top of the casserole. Throw the rest in the bowl.
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the bowl. If you don't love raw onions/garlic, you can saute them in a little oil for a few minutes before adding them to the bowl. They won't become completely cooked in the oven, so be aware.
Add the white beans, 1/2 cup basil, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir well.
Grease a deep 9x13 inch casserole dish and preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Pour the mixture into the dish. Top with the remaining cherry tomato halves. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with 1/4 up Parmesan. Drizzle the dish with a bit of olive oil, just a tablespoon or 2.
Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. When it's done baking, immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serves a crowd!
Notes
*You can use zucchini instead of broccoli. No need to cook first, just toss it in. **Use any kind of tomatoes you like (all regular or all cherry). I just used what I had on hand.Source: adapted from The Kitchn