Pasta Casserole Recipes

When one thinks of Italian cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is pasta. So delicious, so soft! Combine it with a variety of meat or vegetables, and it will only enhance the overall appeal of the meal. The quickest way to make pasta is the all-famous pasta casserole. It is perfect even for emergency situations, such as unexpected guests, or severe hunger! Nothing will satisfy your taste buds and your tummy, as will a yummy pasta casserole. Take a look at some of these pasta casserole recipes and pleasure your taste buds!

Traditional Baked Pasta Casserole - Serves 2

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray
• Onions, 2 tbsp, chopped
• Garlic, 1 clove, minced
• Green bell pepper, 2 tbsp, chopped
• Rotelle pasta, 1½ cups
• Spaghetti sauce, ½ cup
• Lean ground beef, 3 oz.
• Salt to taste and a dash of black pepper
• Italian mozzarella and Parmesan cheese blend, 2 tbsp, shredded

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350 ºF. Boil the pasta as per the directions on the package. Add in a little salt to flavor the pasta.
2. Spray a heated non-stick skillet with some olive oil, add in garlic and onion. Stir until they are slightly golden in color.
3. Add in the beef and bell peppers. Cook until the beef has lost its pink color, and ensure that the vegetables are crisp and not overcooked.
4. Once the beef mixture is ready, add in the spaghetti sauce, pasta and black pepper and mix thoroughly.
5. Put this mix into a baking dish and sprinkle with the amount of cheese required. Bake for a period of 15 minutes, until the cheese has turned golden brown. Do not let the cheese dry out.

Easy Pasta Casserole - Serves 8

Ingredients

• Olive oil for cooking
• Yellow onion, 1 large, chopped
• Fresh spinach, 4 cups, finely chopped
• Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
• Almonds, 1½ cups sliced and lightly toasted
• Zest of 2 lemons
• A dash of sea salt
• Pasta shells, ¾ pounds
• Mozzarella, 8 oz., shredded

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to a temperature of 375 ºF.
2. Boil the pasta as per the directions on the package. Drain it, pour in a teaspoon of olive oil, mix, and keep it aside.
3. In a non-stick skillet over medium flame, heat some olive oil. Add the onions along with a little sea salt and stir until it becomes tender. Now add in the garlic, followed by the spinach. Cook only for a few seconds, till the spinach shrinks slightly.
4. Now take the skillet of the heat, and add half of the lemon zest and 1 cup of almonds. Add in the pasta and stir thoroughly.
5. Grease a casserole dish with some olive oil, and sprinkle the remaining zest. Make one layer of pasta and sprinkle some cheese on it. Now add another layer of pasta and sprinkle the rest of the cheese. You can make as many layers as possible with the amount of cheese available to you.
6. Cover the casserole with foil, and bake until the cheese has slightly browned, and is bubbly. Sprinkle the remaining almonds and serve.

This recipe is ideal for vegetarians. As per your preference, you may also add cubes of cooked chicken to this recipe.

Vegetarian Pasta Casserole - Serves 8

Ingredients

• Penne pasta, 1 packet
• Mushrooms, 1 cup sliced
• Broccoli, 2 cups, chopped
• Green bell pepper, 1 cup, chopped
• Onion, 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic, 1 clove, minced
• Fresh basil, 5 tbsp, chopped
• All-purpose flour, ¼ cup
• Non-fat milk, 4 cups
• Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup, grated
• Dried bread crumbs, ¼ cup
• Butter, 1 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350 ºF.
2. In a large pot, pour water, add a little salt and boil. Add in the pasta, and allow it to cook for a period of 8 - 10 minutes. Add in the broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers and cook for about 6 - 8 minutes until the pasta is done. Now drain all the ingredients.
3. In another skillet over medium flame, melt the butter, and stir in the onions and garlic for 1 - 2 minutes. Now add the flour and cook. Pour in the milk slowly while stirring, to avoid the formation of lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Take the skillet away from the heat, and add in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
5. Combine the pasta, vegetables and milk mixture and add in 4 tablespoons of basil, and pour it into a 9" x 13" baking tray. Coat the entire layer with bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and basil, in this order. You may also use some butter flavor cooking spray to add the finishing touch.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese sizzles and becomes golden brown.

Whip up your own delights with these delicious and easy recipes. Happy cooking!