Pasta with Five Cheeses
My kids love macaroni and cheese…me, not so much. This baked pasta dish is the perfect compromise. I get the sophisticated flavor of a cream-based tomato sauce, they get cheesy goodness. Put together you have one outstanding casserole that pleases the whole family. This dish is also perfect for pot-luck gatherings or to bring to a friend in need. When I bring this dish as a gift to friends, I put it in a disposable foil dish and include the baking directions so they can cook it as needed. A bagged salad and loaf of French bread is a nice touch as well.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Boil pasta two minutes less than the package directs in plenty of well-salted water and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the cream, crushed tomatoes, basil, 1 1/2 cups of Italian cheese blend, and gorgonzola cheese.
- Add cooked pasta to the cream and cheese mixture. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup of Italian cheese blend. Bake for 30 minutes, or until top is browned slightly and pasta is bubbling hot. Serve immediately.
Find more recipes from Alison Needham on Family.com, or visit her blog at www.agirlamarketameal.com.
Rated by 132 members
What is the Family Approved program?
In Their Opinion:
- Go-To Meal
- Quick
- Easy
- Kid Friendly
- Perfect for Parties
The recipe is a very kid friendly one. I would heat a little extra spaghetti sauce to dollip over the top and maybe steam some broccoli to go on top, as well. It is a nice staple to have in the frig for your child when they are hungry and need a snack or lunch, or a quick dinner.
This is a great dish if you are tired of the same old macaroni and cheese. It adds a little something different with the tomato sauce and the cream. The recipe makes quite a bit, so you will have leftovers for lunch throughout the week etc. I would make this for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, team party functions.
The only change I make was that I omitted the dried basil. Knowing my boys, they would question what small green things were lurking in their pasta. I am so glad I made that decision, the boys ended up loving this one! Well, one of the boys as least. Elias was a little leary at first but then I caught him later popping the elbow shells into his mouth...and he said he didn't like pasta!
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