Make this tasty pasta casserole with a log pasta, such as linguini, bucatini, perciatelli, or spaghetti. The rich and creamy cheese sauce makes this a casserole irresistible. I love buttery sourdough crumbs for the topping on this spaghetti and cheese bake, but any soft breadcrumbs will work beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Meat: Add some diced cooked bacon or ham for smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or onions to the cheese sauce.
- Herbs: Chives, parsley, or thyme can add color and flavor to the sauce.
- Poultry: Add 1 to 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken or turkey for a complete satisfying meal.
Spaghetti Cheese Casserole
Enjoy this tasty spaghetti cheese casserole with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Customize with bacon, vegetables, or herbs for your own twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Bake
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine, or use a similar specialty pasta, such as bucatini
- 6 tablespoons butter (divided use)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (divided use)
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water following package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly butter a 2 1/2-quart baking dish or spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. I used butter flavored spray.
- Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Blend in the flour until smooth and bubbly. Cook, stirring, for 1 minutes. Stir in the mustard, salt, and black pepper. Add the cayenne, if using. Gradually stir in milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Reserve about one-third of the cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons of the Pecorino Romano for topping. Add the remaining cheese to the sauce mixture and cook, stirring, just until cheese has melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce and the hot drained pasta.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and Romano or Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the soft bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the cheese layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
