Cheesy Fusilli Casserole
This delightful Cheesy Fusilli Casserole brings together the comforting flavors of cheddar cheese and creamy mushroom soup in a hearty one-dish meal. Inspired by a cherished family recipe from my childhood, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Packed with rotini noodles and a medley of frozen vegetables, it offers a balance of nutrition and indulgence. Replace traditional ingredients with lighter alternatives to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can (preferably low fat)
skim milk
1/2 cup
light cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated (divided into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup for topping))
fusilli noodles
2 cups (cooked)
frozen vegetables
1 cup
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the fusilli noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, sautéed onions, 1 1/2 cups of grated light cheddar cheese, cooked fusilli noodles, frozen vegetables, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Fusilli Casserole!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Fusilli Casserole?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines pasta, cheddar cheese, and creamy mushroom soup.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include fusilli noodles, light cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, onions, and frozen vegetables.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 30 minutes until it is hot and bubbly.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for fusilli noodles, though rotini is also mentioned as a great alternative.
Can I substitute fusilli with rotini?
Yes, rotini noodles can be used as a substitute for fusilli in this dish.
What type of soup is used as the base?
The base is made using one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, preferably a low-fat version.
How much cheese is required for the recipe?
You will need a total of 2 cups of grated light cheddar cheese.
Is the cheese added all at once?
No, the cheese is divided: 1 1/2 cups are mixed into the casserole and 1/2 cup is used as a topping.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of skim milk.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How is the onion prepared?
The onion should be chopped and then sautéed in butter until softened and translucent.
How much butter is used to sauté the onions?
You will need 1 tablespoon of butter.
What kind of vegetables are included?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen vegetables.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 17.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
The casserole contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much black pepper should be added?
Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, or adjust to your preference.
Should the pasta be cooked before assembly?
Yes, cook the fusilli noodles according to the package instructions until al dente before mixing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as both a quick meal and an easy recipe.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the mixture should be transferred to a greased casserole dish.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by a cherished family recipe from the creator's childhood.
Can I use a different cream soup?
While cream of mushroom is standard, you can experiment with other cream soups as a substitute.
What size can of soup is required?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of soup.
Should the casserole sit before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to help it set.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal for easy preparation and cleanup.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.