Calling all pasta lovers! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our Easy Italian Casserole. This delightful dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will transport you to the heart of Tuscany.
Our collection of recipes offers a variety of Italian casserole options, each with its own unique twist. From the classic Baked Ziti, brimming with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, to the hearty Sausage and Peppers Casserole, bursting with savory flavors, there's something for every palate.
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, our Zucchini and Ricotta Casserole is a delightful choice, offering a medley of fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs. And for a seafood extravaganza, our Shrimp Scampi Casserole combines succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and tangy lemon in a creamy sauce.
But that's not all! We also have a comforting Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a velvety cheese sauce. And let's not forget the crowd-pleasing Italian Sausage and Peppers Casserole, where juicy sausage and colorful peppers mingle in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our Easy Italian Casserole recipes are designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's create a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
EASY ITALIAN CASSEROLE
I just concocted this one night in a pinch. Its really just a form of goulash I guess but I got rave reviews from all who have tried it
Provided by rachiekb
Categories Penne
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Brown ground beef w garlic powder, basil, sea salt & pepper, drain.
- Add both jars of spaghetti sauce to drained meat.
- While browning meat, prepare penne according to package directions, drain.
- In 9x13 baking dish, layer ingredients: meat/sauce, cheese, pasta, cheese, meat/sauce cheese and so forth, ending w cheese (roughly 3 layers of each).
- Bake uncovered until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- *I usually serve with garlic bread and green beans.
EASY ITALIAN POLENTA CASSEROLE
This dish can be made completely vegetarian if you wish, but I love this with a little sausage. Baked and with the individual polenta slices it makes a great presentation with the round polenta slices and the tomato sauce. Serve this with a nice side salad.
Provided by SarasotaCook
Categories Pork
Time 1h30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Sausage and Vegetables -- In a large saute pan, add the sausage and brown until cooked through. I like to use bulk sausage but you can used links and just remove the casing. Just brown and then move to a plate with a paper towel on it to drain. In the pan dripping from the sausage, saute all the vegetables and garlic. If necessary you can add a little extra olive oil, but you shouldn't need to. Once the vegetables are tender, but not overdone -- add the tomatoes, breaking them up as you add them, tomato paste and vegetable broth. Add the herbs and any salt and pepper needed. Add the sausage back in and let simmer 5-10 minutes.
- Polenta -- Slice the polenta in thin slices. Most grocery stores carried the prepared polenta in tubes which is a great time saver. They have plain, herb, cheese many flavors. I love to use parmesan for this but it is not necessary. There are enough other flavors in this dish. You will need around 18 slices for this dish. Now in a small square casserole dish 9x9x2 or you can use something similar in size, build the casserole.
- Combine -- Add some of your meat and vegetable sauce, then add the layers of the polenta, you can over lap them, then the cheese. Another layer of the sauce, the polenta rounds and cheese. Finish with sauce and cheese.
- Bake -- I like to let it set at room temp until the polenta soaks up some of the sauce about 1 hour, then bake covered at 350 for about 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 623, Fat 25, SaturatedFat 11.1, Cholesterol 63.4, Sodium 949.1, Carbohydrate 77.4, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 7, Protein 25.3
EASY ITALIAN FRIENDSHIP CASSEROLE RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by Pattywak
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brown meat and drain fat. Then put the meat back in the skillet. Add spaghetti sauce to meat; simmer for 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on the package (cook to al dente); then drain and toss the noodles with butter, seasonings and parmesan cheese. Spray two 9×13 pans with non-stick spray. In each pan layer one quarter of the sauce, half of the noodles, then split the remaining sauce between the two. Top each with half of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. *You can also add some sauteed green bell peppers, onions and mushrooms to the sauce. Perfect for dinner or a meal to serve a crowd after a fun day of outdoor winter activities!! Scrumptious!
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or macaroni are ideal for casseroles because they hold the sauce well. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be difficult to stir and may not cook evenly.
- Cook the pasta al dente: The pasta should be cooked to al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is the heart of any casserole, so make sure it's packed with flavor. Use a combination of fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and your favorite spices to create a sauce that will elevate the dish.
- Don't overmix the casserole: Once you've assembled the casserole, gently stir to combine the ingredients. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a dry, dense casserole.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven until it's bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, but the cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of the casserole dish.
Conclusion:
Italian casseroles are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can create a casserole that is both flavorful and satisfying. So next time you're looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, give one of these Italian casserole recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
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