Pan pasta casserole with green asparagus
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This Pan Pasta Casserole with Green Asparagus is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish that’s perfect for springtime meals. The dish features al dente pasta mixed with tender asparagus spears, a rich creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Minimal prep and cleanup! ✔️ Creamy & Cheesy – A rich, satisfying texture. ✔️ Great for Spring & Summer – Fresh green asparagus adds a light, seasonal touch. ✔️ Customizable – Add protein or extra veggies to suit your taste. |
Ingredients: (Serves 3-4)250g (8 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ tsp salt & black pepper (to taste)
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or gruyère)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
¼ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping, optional)
Instructions:1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Asparagus: In a large oven-safe pan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and asparagus, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and broth, then stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese and mix.
5️⃣ Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm!
1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ tsp salt & black pepper (to taste)
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or gruyère)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
¼ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping, optional)
Instructions:1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Asparagus: In a large oven-safe pan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and asparagus, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and broth, then stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese and mix.
5️⃣ Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm!
Variations & Add-Ons:
🍗 With Protein: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or shrimp.
🥦 Extra Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas for extra flavor.
🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a bolder taste.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or chili powder.
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy: Use a mix of cheddar, gouda, and parmesan for a richer dish.
Serving Suggestions:
🥗 With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple arugula or Caesar salad.
🥖 With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
🍷 With Wine: Enjoy with a glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc).
Tips for the Best Pasta Casserole:
✔️ Use fresh asparagus – It should be bright green and firm.
✔️ Cook pasta just until al dente – It will continue cooking in the oven.
✔️ For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
✔️ Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
🍗 With Protein: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or shrimp.
🥦 Extra Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas for extra flavor.
🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a bolder taste.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or chili powder.
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy: Use a mix of cheddar, gouda, and parmesan for a richer dish.
Serving Suggestions:
🥗 With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple arugula or Caesar salad.
🥖 With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
🍷 With Wine: Enjoy with a glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc).
Tips for the Best Pasta Casserole:
✔️ Use fresh asparagus – It should be bright green and firm.
✔️ Cook pasta just until al dente – It will continue cooking in the oven.
✔️ For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
✔️ Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.