Thursday, January 28, 2010

Baked Pasta Casserole

I was cleaning up my pantry the other day and notice that there are so many different types of leftover pasta (a handful of each) and the boxes are taking too much space in my pantry. I have to find ways to use it all up. Since I am into one dish meal nowadays I decided to make this pasta casserole with whatever I have in my pantry and fridge. Baked pasta is a great dish for any buffet party or a lunch and dinner at home. It is always good to serve it with a fresh salad.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of small dry pasta – I used ziti, penne and small shell pasta
1 can of tuna – packed in water
2 tomatoes – cut into 1/2” cubes
8 oz artichoke hearts – drain water and halve
1 onion – cut small
3 cloves garlic – chopped
1 1/2 cup of grated cheese – any type
1 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups of milk
2 eggs – beaten
Some chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, add in 2 tbsp of olive oil, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and lightly brown. Add in the flour. Stir well for 30 second and add in the milk. Continue to stir until the milk thickens and comes up to a boil.
3. Add in one cup of the grated cheese, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Once the cheese melted turn off the heat. Add in the tomato, artichoke hearts, tuna, cooked pasta and eggs. Stir gently to combine.
4. Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle the balance grated cheese on top and bake in a pre-heated 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top brown. Serve warm.

Note: If you can’t find artichoke hearts you can always replace it with green peas, blanched vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

14 comments:

Quinn said...

Thanks for the recipe. I have a lot of leftover and opened boxes of pasta here and there too!!!!! And I dislike artichokes so I'm glad to know I can substitute it with blanched broccoli! The dish need some colour to zit it up a bit!

Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

See, only you can throw all kinds of leftovers and turn it into a yummilicious dish! I'm also into one dish meals. Fast and simple, and less to wash up too! ;)

Anonymous said...

Fabulous one dish meal. Easy and simple and hearty! I like it.

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

I also like to cook this one dish meal, simple and yummy.

Debbie said...

That looks delicious! What a great way to use up all the half empty boxes of pasta!!!

ann low said...

Thanks for reminding. Me too, same as Quinn so many leftover of pasta.

Cheah said...

What a great way to use up leftovers, good dish. Thanks for sharing!

Little Corner of Mine said...

What a great idea to combine all the leftover dried pasta to create a dish. Looks cheesy good too.

pigpigscorner said...

This is like comfort food! I cook this very often, the melted cheese is soo good!

FoodFitnessFreshair said...

This sounds really delicious! A jazzed up version of mac and cheese..my favorite!

ICook4Fun said...

Quinn, you can always replace the artichokes with the vegetables of your choice.

Ju, yes I like to make this kind of meal. Easy and not much washing up.

Elliem yes it is :)

Sonia, kids will love type of meal too.

Debbis, thank you.

Anncoo, this is the problem I have too when cooking for 2-3 people. I will always have some dried pasta left in the box :)

Cheah, yes sometime I add some leftover roasted chicken to it.

LCOM, you can add more cheese to it if you like cheesy :)

Pigpigcorner, real comfort especially in our cold weather :)

Foodfitness, pretty similar to mac and cheese :)

Angie's Recipes said...

Casserole is for sure one of my favourite winter dishes!

Ummi said...

Hello Gert,
Wowww..what a simple n tempting dish! My kids love this...Btw, I'll be in KL (Gombak Setia) on 12th - 14th Feb. to fetch my daughter Najwa since she'll be arriving from Kangar, Perlis on 12th late at night..Hopefully the plan will not change..If so happen, hope to seeing you too.. ^_^

Curious Lissa said...

Looks delicious. I need to do more casseroles!