This comforting Noodles Czarina Casserole is a hearty twist on classic baked pasta, blending tender noodles with a rich, velvety sauce. The base is built from sautéed onions and olive oil, creating a savory foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy mixture of cottage cheese and reduced-fat cheddar. A splash of lemon juice and a hint of Dijon mustard add a bright, tangy complexity that cuts through the richness, keeping the dish light yet satisfying. The cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens beautifully without needing heavy cream, making it a lighter option for weeknight dinners. It’s warm, bubbly, and deeply flavorful, offering a nostalgic home-style taste that appeals to both children and adults. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a reliable comfort food staple, this casserole comes together quickly using pantry staples. Serve it straight from the oven for the best texture, allowing the cheese to meld seamlessly with the noodles in every bite.
Noodles Czarina Casserole
Description
This comforting Noodles Czarina Casserole is a hearty twist on classic baked pasta, blending tender noodles with a rich, velvety sauce. The base is built from sautéed onions and olive oil, creating a savory foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy mixture of cottage cheese and reduced-fat cheddar. A splash of lemon juice and a hint of Dijon mustard add a bright, tangy complexity that cuts through the richness, keeping the dish light yet satisfying. The cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens beautifully without needing heavy cream, making it a lighter option for weeknight dinners. It's warm, bubbly, and deeply flavorful, offering a nostalgic home-style taste that appeals to both children and adults. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a reliable comfort food staple, this casserole comes together quickly using pantry staples. Serve it straight from the oven for the best texture, allowing the cheese to meld seamlessly with the noodles in every bite.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
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Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the water, nonfat dry milk powder, cornstarch, salt, Dijon mustard, and white pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Pour the milk mixture into the skillet with the onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
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Transfer the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
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Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 263kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 488mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
