10+ Pasta Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Dinners

Pasta casseroles are a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with little effort. These dishes combine pasta, sauces, and toppings to create a delicious and filling option for any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for easy leftovers, pasta casseroles can be customized to fit your taste.

With endless variations, you can mix and match ingredients to keep meals exciting. From classic pasta bake to unique veggie-packed options, there’s a pasta casserole for everyone. Get ready to discover some tasty recipes that will become favorites in your home!

1) Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Easy Baked Ziti with Italian sausage is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of pasta, sausage, and cheese brings everyone together at the dinner table.

To start, you’ll need ziti pasta, ground Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. These ingredients make it both delicious and easy to prepare.

Once baked, the dish turns golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering aroma. You can serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 25 ounces)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
5. Transfer half of the mixture to a baking dish. Layer with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Enjoy your meal!

2) Creamy Chicken and Pasta Casserole

This creamy chicken and pasta casserole is a perfect comfort food dish. It comes together easily with pasta, chicken, and a rich sauce. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta. Meanwhile, sauté chicken pieces until they are golden. Mix the cooked pasta and chicken with a creamy sauce made from just a few ingredients.

You can add vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and golden on top. It makes a great weeknight meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry pasta (like fusilli or penne)
• 2 chicken tenderloins, cut into chunks
• 1 cup cream or a creamy sauce
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the chicken until golden.
4. Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish.
5. Add vegetables if using. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Vegetarian Baked Ziti with Roasted Veggies

Vegetarian baked ziti is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. You’ll enjoy layers of pasta, roasted vegetables, and melty cheese. This recipe makes use of vibrant veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.

Start by roasting your vegetables to bring out their flavor. Combine them with cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese for a creamy texture. Top it all with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.

This dish is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for family dinners. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, roasted veggies, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

4) Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna

Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. With layers of ground beef, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, you can’t go wrong.

You’ll start by cooking the beef until it’s browned. Mix in your favorite marinara sauce for added flavor. Then, layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 45 minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, to make slicing easier.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
3. Mix in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 45 minutes or until cheese is golden.

5) Cheesy Spinach and Alfredo Casserole

For a warm and comforting dish, try this Cheesy Spinach and Alfredo Casserole. It’s perfect for dinner and is loaded with flavor. Creamy Alfredo sauce brings everything together nicely.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until tender. Mix in fresh spinach and a generous amount of cheese for that gooey texture. You can add cooked chicken for extra protein.

Once combined, pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it off with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces short pasta (like penne)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix the pasta, spinach, Alfredo sauce, and chicken (if using).
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6) Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping

Mac and cheese is a classic dish that you can make even better with a crunchy topping. A topping of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese adds texture and flavor. You can use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

To start, cook your favorite pasta until al dente. While it cooks, prepare a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and plenty of cheese. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.

Spread the breadcrumb and cheese mixture on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like Cheddar)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour.
4. Gradually add the milk and cook until thickened.
5. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
6. Mix the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
7. Combine Panko and Parmesan; sprinkle on top.
8. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

7) Penne with Meaty Tomato Sauce

Penne with meaty tomato sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish. You’ll enjoy the combination of flavorful meat and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

To start, cook some penne pasta until al dente. Brown your ground beef in a pan and add onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Once the meat is cooked through, stir in tomato sauce and let it simmer.

Combine the penne with the meaty sauce and transfer it to a baking dish. Top it off with mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly, around 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 4 cups (about 300 g) cooked penne pasta
• 2 cups (200 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain.
3. In a pan, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
4. Add tomato sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix cooked penne into the sauce.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

8) Rigatoni with Spicy Sausage and Peppers

This dish combines rigatoni pasta with spicy sausage and colorful peppers. The flavors mix beautifully in a comforting casserole that your family will love. You can enjoy it for dinner or as leftovers during the week.

Start by cooking your rigatoni until it’s al dente. In another pan, brown the spicy sausage with onions and bell peppers. Once cooked, mix in a tasty tomato sauce and let it simmer.

Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage mixture and put it into a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
3. Brown the sausage in a skillet.
4. Add peppers and onions; cook until soft.
5. Mix in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Combine with rigatoni in a baking dish.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

9) Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

You will love making a Three-Cheese Pasta Bake. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a comforting meal. You can customize it with your favorite pasta shapes and cheeses.

For this dish, mix uncooked pasta, cheese, and a tasty sauce. The blend of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives it a rich flavor. You can also add meat or veggies if you want.

This recipe is simple and great for feeding a crowd. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked pasta
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cups pasta sauce
• Optional: ground beef or veggies

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a baking dish, mix cooked pasta, sauces, and cheeses.
4. Layer additional cheese on top for a crispy finish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10) Mushroom and White Sauce Pasta

Mushroom and white sauce pasta is a comforting dish you can enjoy on any night. The creamy béchamel sauce pairs perfectly with pasta and mushrooms, creating a rich and flavorful meal.

To start, gather some fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk. This combination makes a delicious white sauce that coats the pasta and mushrooms beautifully. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but fettuccine or penne works well. This dish is also great with a sprinkle of cheese on top for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft.

4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

5. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Combine the pasta with the sauce and serve hot.