When it comes to satisfying your family’s appetite and making mealtime a breeze, pasta casseroles are an excellent choice. With over 30 easy oven-to-table recipes to choose from, you can feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for days to come!
The beauty of casseroles lies in their simplicity – just mix together your favorite ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The combination of pasta and cheese is a match made in heaven, providing comfort food at its finest.
To make your casserole game even stronger, keep a well-stocked pantry with a variety of dried pasta types and a fridge full of melted-cheese-friendly options. With meats, veggies, and sauces to complete the picture, you’ll be whipping up quick and easy one-dish meals in no time.
For those days when you need to get a balanced meal on the table fast, having prepared protein sources on hand is a great idea. And don’t worry – there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options to choose from too!
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic casserole like Chicken Tetrazzini or something new and exciting like Dorito Macaroni and Cheese or Cowboy Casserole, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Baked Rigatoni
Transforming classic flavors, this mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish comes together effortlessly with ground beef and a jar of your preferred marinara sauce. With a preparation time of approximately 45 minutes, it’s an ideal family-friendly option that can be easily adapted to suit both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike by simply omitting the beef component.
Pizza Casserole
When it comes to pleasing everyone in the family, dishes that evoke pizza tend to be a surefire hit. This recipe is highly adaptable – feel free to swap out toppings to create your unique flavor combination. Prior to baking, wrap this dish in foil to shield the gooey cheese topping from premature browning. Once you’ve got the cheese nicely melted, remove the foil and let it get a golden-brown finish by baking for a few minutes more.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Transforming the classic sandwich into a satisfying homemade meal, this 40-minute recipe elevates a beloved favorite into a comforting, warm delight. To prepare the dish, cook the ingredients first and then add them to your casserole dish. For added convenience, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Elevate your pasta game with the bold flavors of hot Italian sausage, perfectly balanced by melted cheese in this satisfying baked dish. With prep time clocking in at just 20 minutes, you can have this delectable meal ready in no time. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crispy garlic bread for a well-rounded, authentic Italian-inspired feast.
Dump And Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole
Indulge your gathering’s cravings with Alfredo’s rich and indulgent flavors in this effortlessly prepared casserole that requires mere minutes to assemble. Simply combine cooked pasta with shredded chicken, store-bought Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic garlic. As the dish nears its baking finale, add a generous sprinkling of cheese for an added layer of creaminess, yielding a satisfyingly hearty meal in no time at all.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
While this comfort meal may require a bit more preparation than others, the end result is well worth the extra effort. To start, cook your bacon and chicken until they’re crispy and tender, then chop and shred them to incorporate into the dish. Alternatively, you can repurpose leftover chicken to create an entirely new meal experience.
Taco Pasta Casserole
Transform Taco Tuesday into a delicious pasta casserole with just 5 ingredients. Say goodbye to culinary complexity! All you need is pasta shells, ground beef seasoned with taco magic, Mexican cheese blend, salsa, and a hint of protein variety courtesy of chicken or turkey. Elevate the experience by setting out fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, olive, jalapeños, and creamy guacamole for family members to customize their dish to taste.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in this rich one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a culinary escape. With minimal effort, you can transport your taste buds to a luxurious experience. For an added health boost, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or milk, reducing the fat content without sacrificing flavor. Pair it with warm bread to mop up every last drop of creamy goodness.
Broccoli Chicken Noodle Casserole
The ingredients for this scrumptious crunch-topped dish are probably already stocked in your pantry and fridge. To prepare it quickly, pre-cook the chicken and rotini, then combine the remaining components in a casserole dish and bake until done. Just before removing from the oven, sprinkle French’s crispy fried onions on top to add a satisfying crunchy texture.
Doritos Mac And Cheese Casserole With Chicken
Kickstart your weekend vibes by incorporating a fun twist into your weekly meal routine with this mouth-watering Doritos-infused pasta casserole, ready in just 30 minutes! To craft this delectable dish, start by combining flour, butter, and milk to form the foundation of a rich cream sauce. Then, take it up a notch by adding shredded mozzarella and Philadelphia Chive Whipped Cream Cheese for an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave your family begging for more.
Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
Say goodbye to the hassle of stuffed shells and hello to a flavorful casserole that’s just as satisfying! By combining the creamy ricotta mixture with uncooked ziti noodles, you can create a rich and indulgent dish with minimal effort. Choose between fresh or frozen spinach, as well as your preferred type of ricotta cheese, to add your personal touch. Simply bake this cheesy delight for 25 minutes covered, followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered to achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
Chicken Spaghetti With Rotel
Elevate the classic Chicken Spaghetti casserole by infusing it with the bold flavors of Rotel tomatoes and chilies, as well as a hint of creamy ranch dressing seasoning. While traditional recipes typically rely on Colby cheese, feel free to mix things up with cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for added depth. When ready, cook the pasta bake uncovered until it reaches that perfect golden brown, hot, and bubbly state.
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
This mouthwatering dish boasts a harmonious blend of ground turkey, whole-wheat pasta, and kale, all smothered in a rich melted cheese. To add some visual appeal, consider using fusilli, rotini, or penne to carry the creamy cheese sauce. One of its greatest advantages is its ability to be prepared ahead of time and frozen for a convenient mid-week meal option.
Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole
Indulge in this effortless reinterpretation of an Italian classic. Simply remove the meat from a small rotisserie chicken, have your pasta pre-cooked to perfection, then combine it with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and shaved Parmesan for a harmonious blend of flavors. To elevate this dish further, sprinkle a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping for added texture and depth.
Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
While Swedish meatballs may share some similarities with their Italian counterparts, it’s the unique combination of allspice and nutmeg that sets them apart. The incorporation of these spices gives the meatballs a distinct flavor profile that’s both savory and aromatic. In addition to the spices, using a pound each of beef and pork adds depth and complexity to the dish.
To assemble this comforting meal, combine cooked shells with your homemade meatballs and sauce, then bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Chicken Tetrazzini
While traditional recipes for Chicken Tetrazzini typically combine chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, and peas in a rich creamy sauce infused with white wine, it’s perfectly acceptable to substitute the wine with chicken broth for those who prefer not to cook with alcohol. This beloved dish is also incredibly versatile when it comes to storage and reheating – simply freeze or refrigerate your Tetrazzini for an effortless meal option that can be enjoyed at a later time.
Baked Macaroni And Cheese
This hearty dish is sure to satisfy your family’s hunger and serve as a decadent main course, thanks to its creamy cheese sauce and generous toppings. The combination of Swiss and Parmesan cheese takes this macaroni casserole to new heights, offering a rich and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food. Meanwhile, the subtle addition of nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the dish without overpowering the other flavors, allowing the cheese to remain the star of the show.
Veggie Lover’s Baked Rigatoni
Discovering a meat-free haven in the world of pasta casseroles is now possible! This vegetarian alternative to the classic dish is bursting with flavor and texture, courtesy of its medley of cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and spinach. The rigatoni noodles are substantial enough to provide a sturdy base for this veggie-packed delight, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and enjoyable.
Baked Penne
This vegetarian pasta bake gets a boost of protein and creaminess from the combination of sour cream and cottage cheese. The simplicity of the dish is one of its best features, as it requires only four main ingredients: pasta, your preferred jarred sauce, garlic, and the duo of sour cream and cottage cheese. This means you can whip up a delicious meal with minimal fuss, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Meatless Baked Spaghetti
Get ready to impress with another mouthwatering Meatless Monday dinner idea. This casserole is a breeze to prepare, requiring just 40 minutes of your time. A clever twist on traditional pasta bakes, this recipe relies on the binding properties of eggs to keep everything in perfect harmony.
Unlike other pasta casseroles that involve mixing and matching ingredients, this one involves a thoughtful layering process, where you’ll alternate pre-cooked pasta, creamy cottage cheese, tangy sauce, and melted mozzarella for a delightful textural experience.
Creamy Feta Pasta Bake
To begin this delectable dish, start by oven-roasting fresh tomatoes and asparagus alongside a block of crumbled feta cheese. The combination of these ingredients sets the stage for a flavorful and textured meal. Next, add cooked pasta to the mix, accompanied by minced garlic and a sprinkle of herbs. For an added layer of protein, consider tossing in roasted chicken tenders and allowing them to mingle with the vegetables and cheese.
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of this delectable spinach and mushroom combination, elevated by the simplicity of a buttery sauté. This quick and effortless dinner option yields a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Meanwhile, the Parmesan cheese and light cream or half-and-half blend together to form a velvety cream sauce, perfectly balanced to accompany uncooked medium shells. Simply bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the dish to reach a golden, bubbly peak.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Bake (Vegan)
For those seeking a meat-free and dairy-free culinary experience, consider trying out this recipe. To replicate the rich and creamy texture typically found in pasta casseroles, plant-based milk and vegan cheese are used as substitutes for traditional milk and cheese. Prior to combining all ingredients in a baking dish, pre-cook the pasta and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
Eggplant Pasta Casserole
Transforming the classic flavors of Eggplant Parmesan into a satisfying pasta bake is a game-changer. To start, carefully chop your fresh eggplant and roast it in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper to bring out its natural sweetness. Next, combine the roasted eggplant with marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Finally, pop this savory mixture into the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a mouthwatering vegetarian dish that’s sure to please.
Hamburger Casserole
Satisfying even the most discerning palates, this uncomplicated and budget-friendly recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser. The flavor profile is akin to a classic cheeseburger, with each spoonful delivering a rich and satisfying experience. To achieve the perfect browning of the cheese, simply remove the lid from the dish for an additional 10 minutes in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece without breaking the bank! The budget-friendly casserole boasts an opulent, creamy texture courtesy of cream cheese and ricotta. To begin, sauté onions, garlic, and ground beef to perfection, then add your go-to marinara sauce for added depth. Cook pasta al dente before layering it with the cheeses and sauce. Finally, top it all off with a generous helping of mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Transform your Sloppy Joes into a tidy one-pot meal that’s also budget-friendly. With just farfalle (bow tie) pasta and Manwich sauce on hand, you can prepare this satisfying pasta bake in under an hour. Simply combine the ingredients in a casserole dish, pop it in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, and enjoy a stress-free, comforting meal that’s sure to please.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)
Indulge in the comforting warmth of a classic pasta casserole, elevated by the rich flavors of tortellini. The combination of cooked ground beef, tender tortellini, cream cheese, and marinara sauce creates a decadent blend that will leave you craving more. To bring it all together, simply combine these ingredients, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for approximately 20 minutes – the perfect solution to a chilly evening or a cozy night in.
Cowboy Casserole
Indulge in a savory southwestern-inspired hamburger casserole that’s bursting with flavor. This mouthwatering dish is filled to the brim with an array of wholesome veggies including bell peppers, celery, baby spinach, and ripe tomatoes, complemented by generous helpings of hearty meat and creamy sauce.
Greek Pastitsio Bake
To create this delectable ‘Greek Baked Ziti’, begin by combining ground beef with penne pasta and a rich bechamel sauce. The layers of flavor and texture start to take shape as you place the cooked pasta at the bottom of the dish, followed by the savory meat sauce, and finally finish it off with a generous dollop of creamy bechamel. Then, pop it into the oven for an hour until the top is golden brown and crispy.
As CookingChew Tips go, this one requires some patience but yields mouthwatering results.
The bottom line
When it comes to satisfying your cravings for Italian, Mediterranean, or American cuisine, pasta casseroles are the perfect solution. Not only do they provide a hearty meal that’s sure to brighten up any day, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or have some leftovers ready for later, these 30 easy oven-to-table pasta casserole recipes are the perfect way to do just that.
