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Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Cellentani Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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