Savory Noodle and Vegetable Casserole

Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cooking the Noodles and Vegetables 2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Steam the broccoli florets until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. In a large skillet, sauté the red bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes until slightly softened.

Preparing the Sauce 3. In a saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Assembling the Casserole 4. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by the sautéed vegetable mixture. Pour half of the sauce over the vegetables. Repeat with the remaining noodles, vegetables, and sauce.

Adding the Topping and Baking 5. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.

Serving 6. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious noodle and vegetable casserole!