Meatless Italian Macaroni Bake

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 11

Meatless Italian Macaroni Bake, a delicious vegetarian pasta dish

by The Chefin Pasta

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	2 cups elbow macaroni , cooked & drained ( Ronzoni Whole Wheat pasta )
	16 ounces stewed tomatoes ( no salt added if available )
	3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese , shredded
	1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise ( NOT Miracle Whip )
	1 teaspoon italian seasoning ( or Mrs Dash Italian Medley )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

385

Sugar

Fat

16g

Meatless Italian Macaroni Bake is a meat-free version of a classic Italian pasta dish. This vegetarian recipe is made with elbow macaroni, stewed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasonings. While traditional Italian macaroni dishes often include meat such as sausage or meatballs, this meatless version is a healthy and flavorful alternative. It is a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Italian cooking, without the added fat and calories of meat. Plus, it is simple to make and can be customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.	In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, stewed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, reduced-fat mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning.
3.	Transfer mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
4.	Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture.
5.	Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6.	Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

This Meatless Italian Macaroni Bake is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian pasta dish.

It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made with simple ingredients.

It is a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

CONS

Because this dish contains cheese and mayonnaise, it is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or trying to limit their dairy intake.

It is also a high-carbohydrate dish, which may not be suitable for individuals on a low-carb diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Meatless Italian Macaroni Bake is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
The dish also contains lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes that may be protective against certain types of cancer.
Additionally, using whole wheat macaroni instead of traditional macaroni can add fiber to the dish.