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
- Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for the upcoming pasta creation.
- 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.
- While pasta cooks, carefully grate the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slice the Velveeta cheese into small, uniform cubes for even melting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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