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Pasta Casserole

Pasta Casserole recipe image
This classic Italian pasta casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It features layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich homemade cream sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and fontina cheeses. The savory filling includes minced garlic and tomatoes, creating a robust and aromatic flavor profile. Ideal for weeknight meals or potlucks, this recipe is easy to assemble with common pantry staples. The result is a golden, cheesy bake that is both satisfying and delicious, ensuring leftovers are just as good as the first serving.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6
Calories: 2111.8
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Italian pasta casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It features layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich homemade cream sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and fontina cheeses. The savory filling includes minced garlic and tomatoes, creating a robust and aromatic flavor profile. Ideal for weeknight meals or potlucks, this recipe is easy to assemble with common pantry staples. The result is a golden, cheesy bake that is both satisfying and delicious, ensuring leftovers are just as good as the first serving.
Ingredients
  • Add flour and stir until blended, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add milk, stirring with wire whisk as it comes to a simmer. Cook
  • Drain and minced tomatoes and garlic. Place other cheese filling
  • Add 1-1/2 cups of cooled cream sauce and mix well. Refrigerate,
  • Cook lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain
  • Place 3 lasagna noodles in a 9x13x2 lightly oiled baking dish, over-
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bake covered for 1 hour.
  • Remove from oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177&# 194;°C).
  2. 2
    Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and run under cold water.
  3. 3
    Make cream sauce by whisking flour and milk until thickened (3-4 minutes); set aside to cool.
  4. 4
    In a 3-quart mixing bowl, combine cooled cream sauce, minced tomatoes, garlic, and cheese filling.
  5. 5
    Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. 6
    Place 3 lasagna noodles in the dish, overlapping slightly.
  7. 7
    Spread 1-1/2 cups of cheese filling over noodles.
  8. 8
    Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup fontina cheese.
  9. 9
    Repeat pasta and cheese layering three more times.
  10. 10
    Top with remaining three lasagna noodles.
  11. 11
    Spread 1/2 cup of reserved cream sauce over the top.
  12. 12
    Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
  13. 13
    Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
  14. 14
    Serve topped with hot marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 2111.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 121.0g187%
Saturated Fat 64.2g321%
Cholesterol 212.0mg71%
Sodium 1970.0mg83%
Total Carbohydrate 237.2g80%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g50%
Sugars 120.9g
Protein 43.5g87%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes after baking to help it set before slicing.

You can substitute part-skim mozzarella for a lower-fat option, though full-fat cheese provides a creamier texture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ðF until warmed through.

Ensure the cream sauce is cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the cheese from becoming oily.

Keywords: pasta, casserole, lasagna, cheese, italian, baked, comfort food, vegetarian, mozzarella, fontina, cream sauce, garlic, tomato, dinner, family meal, oven, layered, savory, cheesy, homemade
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-casserole/