Best 4 Cheesy Pasta Casserole Recipes

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Are you looking for the perfect cheesy pasta casserole recipe that will surely satisfy your cravings? Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to try something new, or a beginner who wants to impress your family and friends, this guide has something for everyone. With a variety of recipes that cater to every taste and skill level, you'll be sure to find the perfect cheesy pasta casserole recipe that fits your needs. From classic macaroni and cheese to unique and flavorful twists, this guide will take you on a journey of cheesy pasta goodness. So, get ready to indulge in a world of cheesy pasta casseroles and find the perfect recipe that will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Make-Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Pasta Casserole image

Plan ahead and put this party-ready casserole in the freezer for your next big get-together! Once it's thawed, top with tortilla chips, and bake for a cheesy-crunchy crowd pleaser that packs tons of flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium poblano chile, chopped (3/4 cup)
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 1/2 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen corn (from 10-oz bag)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño chiles; cook about 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour and taco seasoning mix; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually beat in broth with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package for minimum cook time. Drain; stir pasta into sauce with chicken, frozen corn and black beans. Pour pasta mixture into baking dish, and pour enchilada sauce over top.
  • Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
  • To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to lift casserole out of dish. Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes before assembling casserole. Mix sauce with cooked pasta, chicken, frozen corn and beans; spread in lined baking dish (do not add enchilada sauce); cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, and top with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes; top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges (165°F in center). Let stand 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and red onion just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 910 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

CHEESY LAYERED GROUND BEEF AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole image

This is a great casserole, it tastes similar to lasagna. You can also top with grated cheese the last 15 minutes of baking if desired, I also like to add in some green bell pepper and dried chili flakes for heat but that is optional.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Meat

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 -2 jalapeno pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
fresh sliced mushrooms, any amount (or use canned, drained)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (or to taste)
3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
salt and pepper
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (or to taste)
4 cups medium noodles (use any kind of pasta you desire, 4 cups measured after cooking)
1 cup cottage cheese or 1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (optional or to taste) or 2 cups cheddar cheese (optional or to taste)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a large lasagna dish.
  • Cook the pasta until only firm-tender; drain (it does not have to measure exactly 4 cups cooked, careful not to overcook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven) drain and transfer to a bowl, toss with a couple tablespoons oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
  • In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, jalapenos (if using) mushrooms and minced garlic until meat is brown and cooked stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce salt and pepper, stir until heated through (you can the sauce for up to 45 minutes on low heat).
  • Spread 1/2 meat sauce on bottom of pan.
  • Spread 1/2 noodles on top of sauce.
  • Top noodles with 1 cup mozza cheese.
  • Mix 1 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Spread over mozzeralla cheese.
  • Top with remaining tomato sauce, noodles,and remaining mozza cheese.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake, covered for 20 mins, uncover casserole (at this point you can sprinkle with grated mozzeralla or cheddar cheese if desired).
  • Return to oven to bake for another 10-15 mins, or until bubbly.

CREAMY CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA CASSEROLE



Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole image

I made this recipe up one night when I found a recipe calling for frozen pasta vegetable mix. This is much more economical and much tastier. Even my husband who does not like vegetables loves it.

Provided by PaigeParkerMomma

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb boneless skinless chicken
1 (2 lb) box rotini pasta
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 lb Velveeta reduced fat cheese product, cubed
1/4 cup skim milk
1 (10 ounce) package california-blend frozen vegetables (broccoli or cauliflower or carrot mix) or 1 (10 ounce) package your favorite vegetables

Steps:

  • Cook chicken breast (I use my George Foreman Grill cooks them fast and without any added fat).
  • Chop chicken up into small bite-size pieces.
  • Cook Rotini as directed on box.
  • Cook vegetables until tender then drain.
  • In large sauce pan blend together soup, milk and cheese stir until melted.
  • Add in the chicken pasta and vegetables.
  • Pour into Pam sprayed 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Cover with foil.
  • Bake 35-45 minutes at 350°F.

CHEESY PASTA CASSEROLE



Cheesy Pasta Casserole image

This rich, cheesy side dish is such an excellent meal extender that I always keep it in mind whenever I feel my menu needs a boost. It's a quick and easy casserole to fix, and you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

5 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1-1/3 cups milk
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
TOPPING:
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1-1/2 teaspoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, garlic salt and onion salt until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in the noodles. , Transfer to a greased shallow 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 701mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

Tips:

  • Choosing the Right Pasta: Opt for short pastas like macaroni, penne, or shells as they hold the cheese sauce well.
  • Cooking the Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta until it's al dente, slightly firm to the bite, to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
  • Preparing the Cheese Sauce: Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, for a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Adding Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini for a nutritious twist.
  • Layering the Casserole: Layer the pasta, cheese sauce, and vegetables in a baking dish, ensuring even distribution for optimal flavor.
  • Baking the Casserole: Bake the casserole at a moderate temperature until it's golden brown and bubbly, indicating that the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Resting the Casserole: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set.

Conclusion:

Cheesy pasta casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. With its creamy cheese sauce, al dente pasta, and optional vegetables, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Experiment with different types of pasta, cheeses, and add-ins to create a casserole that's uniquely yours.

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