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.
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Spaghetti Cheese Casserole

A spaghetti cheese casserole in the baking dish

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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.

  • Author: Diana
  • 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

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water following package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine the cheese sauce and the hot drained pasta.
  6. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and Romano or Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture.
  7. 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.

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