Cheesey Veggie and Pasta Bake

I have had the hardest time getting the littlest child, he is two, to consume fruits and vegetables. He is a steak and potatoes guy through and through, always has been. Yes I have succumb to hiding vegetables again because if he sees anything that remotely looks like a vegetable he refuses to eat it. Needless to say, the first bite of the casserole was politely refused because a carrot was peeking out from under the noodle. I quickly disguised the carrot with another noodle and the kid swallowed it with a smile and a “yum!”

This three cheese and paste casserole would make a delicious side to a slab of barbecue ribs or grilled chicken. We had ours with a beautiful green salad and roasted chicken.

Source: Adapted from Campbell’s
3 cups elbow shaped pasta, cooked and drained
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 package (8 ounces) shredded Italian cheese blend (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup Shredded cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese blend
1 /2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup diced carrots
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Boil pasta until done. Stir the soup, cheeses, veggies, milk and black pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Stir in the pasta.

Bake at 400°F. for 20 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.

Variations:
-Substitute favorite two cheese blend for Italian cheese blend and grated Parmesan for the Cheddar cheese blend.
-Use peas, broccoli, red peppers or other favorite hardy vegetable.