Cheesy Wagon Wheel Pasta Bake

This wagon wheel pasta casserole is basically a baked macaroni and cheese in a fun shape. Kids love wagon wheels but feel free to use macaroni or shells in the recipe. This is a recipe you’ll make again and again.

Recipe Variations

• Cheese – Use another melty cheese or a combination of cheeses. Some good choices are Gruyère, fontina, cheddar jack, pepper jack, or colby.
• Pasta – Make the casserole with macaroni, mini penne, or another short pasta.
• Protein – Add diced ham, leftover chopped chicken or turkey, or sliced smoked sausage.
• Vegetables – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or thawed frozen vegetables, such as peas and carrots.

Cheesy Wagon Wheel Pasta Bake

Diana

Mini wagon wheel pasta makes a fun, kid-friendly casserole. It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.

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Servings 4 to 6 servings

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Course Casseroles, Cheese, Pasta

Cuisine American

Prep Time 12 minutes minutes

Cook Time 36 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  

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• 8 ounces mini wagon wheels, or elbow macaroni or shells
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided use
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups milk or part half-and-half or light cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion tops, optional
• 2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs or soft fine bread crumbs

Instructions

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• Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water; set aside.
• Heat the oven to 350 F.
• Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
• In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the dry mustard, salt, and pepper; blend well. Gradually whisk the milk into the roux and continue cooking until thickened. Add the green onions, if using, along with the cheese; stir until smooth.
• Combine the drained pasta wheels and the sauce; turn into the prepared baking dish.
• Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs until thoroughly coated.
• Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the casserole.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the pasta mixture hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is lightly browned.

Keyword pasta and cheese, pasta casserole, wagon wheel pasta

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