Tangy Cheese & Pasta Bake
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🥘 Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
🔑 Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Pasta Shells, Cheese, High In…, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
This Tangy Cheese & Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, offering a sophisticated flavor profile with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, the creaminess of sour cream, and a hint of tanginess from prepared mustard. It’s a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. The recipe is versatile too, allowing for substitutions like Worcestershire sauce or Tabasco for those who prefer a different kick. You can also switch up the pasta shape, using shells or rotini for a fun twist!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the macaroni al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta, then set it aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, one beaten egg, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, prepared mustard, milk, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the tangy, cheesy goodness!
This Tangy Cheese & Pasta Bake is sure to become a family favorite, with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
