Different types of pasta casserole include meaty Italian and Mexican-inspired dishes, as well as pizza casserole. Various pasta types can be used, and meat can be substituted for a vegetarian option. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.
There are many different types of pasta casserole, such as a meaty pasta casserole with various types of meat and an Italian pasta casserole with rotini pasta and tomato sauce. Other pasta dishes can include Mexican and Spanish-inspired ingredients blended with different pasta varieties, which can easily be made into a gluten-free or vegetarian-style pasta casserole. More often than not, a casserole that uses pasta as the base ingredient will use some type of sauce for a filling, such as diced tomatoes or creamy condensed soup. Different pasta variations are possible for each casserole, including rotini, spaghetti, angel hair and fettucini.
A meaty pasta casserole is popular among Italian recipes and often includes the use of rotini or penne instead of spaghetti or angel hair, which can become mushy during cooking. Most meaty casseroles that use pasta use a mixture of ground or whole meat, such as pork sausage, beef, and ground chicken. The base sauce that is often mixed into the casserole includes diced, chopped, or pureed tomatoes and contains herbs such as oregano and basil. Chopped cheddar or cheese is also mixed and sprinkled on top before baking for added flavor.
Mexican noodle casserole contains ingredients often used in traditional enchilada recipes, such as enchilada sauce, jalapeno, avocado, and cheese. The most commonly used pasta for Mexican casseroles is rotini, but some recipes may use a blend of rotini, fettucini or spaghetti. Along with cheese, which melts during cooking and creates a meaty texture, ground beef or shredded chicken is often used to build bulk and add flavor. Diced tomatoes are commonly used as a sauce mixed with pasta and other ingredients, and sour cream may be included to create a creamier, richer flavor and texture.
Pizza casserole is a fun way to savor the flavor of pizza without using a crust, and will often include common pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Rotini dough is the base of the pizza casserole, creating a solid layer underneath, and the casserole is cooked to melt the cheese and warm the dish. With any pasta casserole, many meat items can be substituted or eliminated to create a veggie casserole. For those sensitive to the gluten found in wheat-based pastas, the pasta used in the casseroles can be substituted for gluten-free varieties.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
