Easy Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Recipe: A Family Favorite

Cellentani pasta brings unparalleled excitement to comfort food lovers everywhere!

Twisty, spiral-shaped noodles create magical texture in this mouthwatering dish that crafts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Rich, velvety cheese melts perfectly around these curvy tubes, capturing incredible flavor in every single bite.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this hearty recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families.

creamy sauces cling beautifully to cellentani unique curves, ensuring maximum deliciousness in each delectable forkful.

Weeknight dinner superstars rejoice – this baked pasta promises to become your new go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore how simple ingredients combine into something spectacularly delicious.

Tips for Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake

• Cheese Selection Mastery: Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheeses for maximum melting and flavor depth, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Sauce Smoothness Technique: Stir the Velveeta and evaporated milk constantly while melting to prevent scorching and achieve a silky, uniform texture.
• Pasta Doneness Trick: Cook cellentani pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during the baking process, maintaining a perfect tender bite.
• Seasoning Balance Hack: Adjust salt and spices incrementally, tasting as you mix to create a harmonious flavor profile that doesn't overpower the creamy cheese base.
• Baking Performance Tip: Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning, then uncover to allow the top to develop a golden, crispy cheese crust.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal the pasta tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain even texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to trap steam and maintain creamy consistency.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled pasta securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Pairing Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake with Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the cheesy heaviness and refreshing the palate.
• Serve with Tangy Green Salad: Balance the indulgent bake with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Add a protein-packed side of roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that enhances the pasta's flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Pickled Vegetables: Include a small side of quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds a bright, crunchy texture.

Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Variations

• Spicy Southwest Cellentani: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of chili powder to introduce a zesty kick. Replace half the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Cellentani: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Swap onion powder with dried oregano and include a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
• Protein-Packed Cellentani: Mix in cooked ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein. Incorporate frozen peas or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
• Bacon Lover's Cellentani: Crumble crispy bacon on top before baking and mix some bacon bits into the cheese sauce. Add a sprinkle of green onions for freshness and extra flavor complexity.

Why Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Is a Comfort Classic

• Indulge in Creamy Comfort: This cellentani bake delivers ultimate cheesy satisfaction with a rich, velvety texture that wraps you in pure comfort food bliss.
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: Anyone can create this restaurant-worthy dish with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, transforming everyday pasta into an impressive meal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Multiple cheese varieties (sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Velveeta) create a complex, multilayered flavor profile that melts together perfectly in every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Cellentani Noodles: A curly, tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces and absorbing flavors.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Velveeta: Combination of cheeses providing rich, melty texture and intense cheese flavor. Sharp cheddar offers bold taste, Monterey Jack adds creaminess, and Velveeta ensures smooth sauce.

• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a creamy texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides a concentrated, smooth base for cheese sauce.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle, sweet onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic prep.
• Paprika: Contributes mild pepper flavor and attractive reddish color to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F, getting it ready for the cheesy magic about to happen.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your cellentani pasta and cook until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Medley

• Sharp cheddar (shred)
• Monterey Jack (shred)
• Velveeta (cube into bite-sized pieces)

Step 4: Craft Velveeta Cream Sauce

• Cheese melts completely
• Sauce becomes silky smooth

Step 5: Mix Pasta Base

• Sour cream
• Cubed butter
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Fold in half of the shredded cheeses into the pasta mixture. Slowly pour the Velveeta cream sauce over everything, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake combines Italian pasta comfort with rich, melted cheese and tender vegetables. Hearty pasta spirals nestle in a luxurious sauce, promising a satisfying meal that will draw friends and family around the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cellentani noodles or macaroni noodles
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces (113 grams) monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (227 grams) velveeta cheese, cubed

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter, softened and cubed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 12 ounces (340 milliliters) evaporated milk

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for the upcoming pasta creation.
2. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the cellentani pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still maintaining a slight firmness.
3. While pasta cooks, carefully grate the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slice the Velveeta cheese into small, uniform cubes for even melting.
4. In a separate saucepan, pour the evaporated milk and heat over medium temperature. Introduce the Velveeta cubes, stirring consistently until the cheese transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Carefully drain the cooked pasta using a colander, then transfer to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish. Incorporate the sour cream, softened butter, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Fold half of the shredded cheese varieties into the pasta mixture. Gradually pour the creamy Velveeta sauce over the noodles, ensuring complete coverage and integration.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top of the dish, creating an inviting golden blanket. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges bubble invitingly.

Notes

• Cheese Preparation Shortcut: Shred cheeses ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make assembly faster and smoother.
• Milk Selection Tip: Use full-fat evaporated milk for the richest, most luxurious cheese sauce that guarantees ultimate creaminess.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and spice levels according to personal taste, but be cautious not to overpower the delicate cheese flavors.
• Pasta Texture Trick: Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness during the baking process, maintaining a perfect pasta bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and achieve optimal consistency.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg