Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with the aroma of savory delights—it’s a typical weeknight, and the clock seems to be racing against you. But fear not, because this baked chicken and pasta recipe is here to save the day. It’s like a warm hug after a long day, quick to prepare and guaranteed to have even the pickiest eater asking for seconds.
Steps
- Baked Spaghetti
- Prepare your ingredients and cook the sausage. If you want to add extra vegetables, include finely shredded carrots. Assemble the dish and bake it until bubbly.
- Beef Noodle Casserole
- Gather simple pantry ingredients and cook the beef. You can enhance it by adding zucchini or chopped spinach. Combine everything in a casserole dish and bake until heated through.
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Season the chicken thighs and prepare the rice with chicken stock. Mix in sour cream for creaminess, then layer everything in a dish and bake.
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time, and mix with noodles and a jar of pimentos. Assemble in a casserole dish and bake until golden.
- Tuna and Tomato Pasta Casserole
- Combine tuna, ricotta, and tomato sauce. Substitute tuna with Italian sausage if preferred. Layer with pasta in a dish and bake until bubbly.
- Mexican Lasagna
- Layer tortillas with beans, cheese, and your choice of toppings. Add guacamole, lettuce, and sour cream after baking for extra flavor.
- Lasagna
- Build layers with noodles, sauce, and cheese, adding bell peppers and mushrooms if desired. Make an extra pan to freeze for later.
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Cook meat and veggies, then add Worcestershire sauce for flavor. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.
- Potato and Sausage Casserole
- Combine potatoes, spinach, and Italian sausage, and layer in a casserole dish. Bake until the top is crispy and the flavors meld together.
- Tamale Pie
- – Mix tamale ingredients and bake in a skillet for a rustic, flavorful dish. Portion leftovers into freezer-friendly containers.
- Healthy Shepherd’s Pie
- – Create a topping with potatoes and cauliflower. Layer over a meat mixture and bake until heated through.
- Ham and Asparagus Strata
- – Layer rustic bread, ham, cheese, and asparagus in a dish. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Pastelon
- – Fry sweet plantains and layer with beef, sazón, and veggies. Top with cheese and bake until melted and delicious.
- Cajun Turkey Pot Pie
- – Season turkey with Cajun spices and cook with dark beer. Use store-bought pie crusts to save time, and bake until the crust is golden.
- Denver Omelette Hashbrown Casserole
- – Mix hashbrowns with omelette ingredients. Bake for breakfast or dinner and pair with fruit or greens.
- Zucchini Breakfast Casserole
- – Combine fresh veggies with eggs and cheese. Bake until set and golden brown for a quick and easy meal.
- Turkey Tetrazzini
- – Mix leftover turkey or chicken with peas, mushrooms, and noodles in cheese sauce. Bake until creamy and irresistible.
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- – Use frozen vegetables and puff pastry for ease. Assemble and bake for flaky, comforting goodness.
- Sweet Potato, Mushroom, Leftover Turkey Casserole
- – Combine Thanksgiving leftovers with a topping of crushed Saltines. Bake until heated and the top is crispy.
- Easy Breakfast Casserole
- – Use leftover veggies and meats to create a customizable casserole. Mix, bake, and clear out your fridge simultaneously.
- Potato, Spinach, and Sausage Casserole
- – Blend spinach with potatoes and sausage. Bake until the flavors meld and the top is golden.
- Moussaka
- – Layer eggplant with meat and béchamel sauce. Bake for a rich and comforting dish perfect for a special meal.
- Cheesy Apple and Sausage Pie
- – Pair tart green apples with cheddar cheese and sausage. Bake in a pie crust for a unique savory-sweet dish.
- Sausage, Spinach, Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
- – Fill pasta shells with a ricotta mixture using a Ziploc bag. Arrange in a dish and bake until the cheese is bubbly.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ground sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Eggs, beaten
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
FAQ
- What is a casserole and what types of meals can it include?
- A casserole is a dish that’s typically baked slowly in an oven. It can range from a complete meal, like breakfast or dinner, to a side dish, and even a dessert.
- Why are casseroles considered easy to make?
- Casseroles are easy because they involve minimal preparation. You just need to prep a few ingredients, mix them together, and bake. This simplicity also allows time for tidying up the kitchen while the dish is cooking.
- Can casseroles be made in advance?
- Yes, many casseroles can be prepared ahead of time. For example, baked spaghetti can be made up to a day in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days.
- Are casseroles suitable for feeding a large group?
- Absolutely! Casseroles are perfect for feeding a crowd. They are generally made in large quantities, ensuring there’s plenty to go around.
- Can casseroles accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions?
- Definitely. Casseroles are versatile and can be adapted to suit dietary preferences. For instance, vegetarian options are available, and ingredients can often be swapped to accommodate different tastes or dietary needs.
Tips
- When preparing casseroles, consider making them ahead of time. Many casseroles can be assembled a day in advance, giving you a break from cooking on busier days.
- Enhance your casserole’s nutritional value by incorporating extra vegetables. For example, finely shred carrots or add zucchini or chopped spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Save time by using store-bought ingredients like rotisserie chicken or frozen vegetables, which can make meal prep faster without compromising on taste.
- For easy filling of dishes like stuffed pasta shells, use a Ziploc bag to pipe the filling. Simply cut off a corner of the bag and squeeze the mixture into the shells for a quick and tidy solution.
Equipment
- Casserole Dish – A high-quality, oven-safe dish specifically designed for casseroles.
- Mandoline Slicer – Useful for finely shredding vegetables like carrots or slicing potatoes evenly.
- Dutch Oven – Ideal for casseroles that require stovetop cooking before baking.
- Deep Skillet or Saute Pan – For preparing ingredients before transferring them to a casserole dish.
- Baking Sheet – To place under the casserole dish and catch any spills while baking.
- Pie Dish – Specifically for pot pies or any casserole with a pastry crust.
- Piping Bag or Ziploc Bags – For stuffing pasta shells or similar tasks.
- Food Processor – For blending or chopping ingredients quickly, especially in large quantities.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking casseroles evenly.
- Large Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining ingredients before baking.
