Description
This Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that’s loaded with layers of cheese, hearty ingredients, and festive flavors. Perfect as a side dish or main course for holiday gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Serves 6-8
- For the casserole:
- 4 cups (500 g) cooked pasta (e.g., penne, elbow, or bowtie)
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded chicken (optional, for a main dish)
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) diced red bell pepper
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the topping:
- 1 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken (if using), peas, bell pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Prepare the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a festive touch.
Notes
- Customize the vegetables with green beans, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for added holiday color.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add mushrooms or more vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.