Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and indulging in a comforting dish like Cheesy White Pizza Casserole. This delight is a perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch of golden-baked pasta. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma filled the house, instantly lifting everyone’s spirits. As we gathered around the dinner table, plates piled high, laughter and stories filled the air. Each bite was a warm embrace, a nostalgic reminder of pizza nights with a twist. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole brings everyone together, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

The ingredients for Cheesy White Pizza Casserole are simple yet effective in creating a dish that’s rich in flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the pasta that acts as the base to the creamy sauce that envelops it all.

• 4 cups dry penne pasta – This is the star of the dish, providing a hearty base that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooey, melted cheese is essential for that classic cheesy pull we all love.
• 6 oz pepperoni – Adds a savory kick, complementing the creaminess of the dish with its spicy flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – This helps to create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1 medium onion, minced – Adds depth and sweetness to the dish, making it even more flavorful.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic notes, enhancing the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
• 2 cups heavy cream – This is the key to a rich and luscious sauce that binds everything together.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, diced – Adds an earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped leaves only – Brings a hint of Mediterranean flavor, enhancing the pizza theme.
• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that rounds out the cheese blend.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the dish.

Recipe Steps for Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

Cooking the Cheesy White Pizza Casserole is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps to create a dish that will wow your family and friends.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial to ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that delicious golden color.
2. Cook the penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. You want the pasta to have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. In a large skillet or saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced onion. Cook until it turns transparent, about 5 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
5. Next, add the flour and stir to distribute it evenly. Increase the heat to medium and cook for a minute or two, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Slowly stir in the warmed heavy cream in a slow drizzle while stirring constantly. This helps to create a smooth sauce without lumps.
7. Bring the cream mixture to a very slight simmer and continue to cook until it thickens slightly. You want the sauce to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Once thickened, season the sauce with fresh thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 3/4 of the pepperoni, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the creamy white pizza sauce. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Sprinkle 1 and 1/2 cups of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, adjusting based on your cheese preference. Top with the remaining pepperoni pieces.
11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. If you want a golden brown top, broil for the last few minutes of baking. This adds a nice finishing touch to your casserole.
12. Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy your delicious Cheesy White Pizza Casserole!

Recipe Variations about Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

There are countless ways to enhance and adapt your Cheesy White Pizza Casserole. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as gouda or provolone, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or spicy sausage for a kick. This can really elevate the dish and add excitement.
• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options.
• Top with Fresh Basil: After baking, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a refreshing touch.
• Storage: Properly store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Just ensure to wrap it tightly before storing it in the freezer.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

The Cheesy White Pizza Casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides and drinks, making it perfect for any occasion.

• Garden Salad: A crisp salad filled with seasonal vegetables makes a refreshing accompaniment.
• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for an extra indulgent meal.
• Pair with Wine: A light white wine or sparkling water complements the richness of the casserole.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: This dish is ideal for busy nights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
• Great for Gatherings: It’s a fantastic choice for potlucks or family gatherings, sure to please everyone.
• Seasonal Pairings: As it’s a winter dish, consider pairing it with a warm, spiced apple cider.

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes the Cheesy White Pizza Casserole special is its perfect blend of comforting flavors and creamy textures. It’s a dish that brings joy to the dinner table and creates lasting memories with family and friends. I encourage you to try it; it’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find that this casserole quickly becomes a favorite in your household, perfect for any occasion!

Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Cheesy White Pizza Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is a family favorite that everyone will love. Make it tonight for a satisfying and delightful meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups dry penne pasta Cook based on package directions
• 2.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz pepperoni
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream warm
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh thyme diced
• 0.5 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped leaves only
• 0.5 cups parmesan grated
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Equipment

• Grater
• Saucepan
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced onion and cook until transparent, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the flour and stir to distribute evenly. Increase heat to medium and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.
6. Slowly stir in the warmed heavy cream in a slow drizzle while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Bring the cream mixture to a slight simmer and cook until it thickens slightly.
8. Season with fresh thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 3/4 of the pepperoni, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the white pizza sauce. Gently toss to combine.
10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Sprinkle 1 and 1/2 cups of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, along with the remaining pepperoni pieces.
11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Broil for a few minutes for a golden brown top.
12. Let it cool slightly, then serve your delicious Cheesy White Pizza Casserole.

Notes

• Shred Your Cheese: Freshly grated cheese tastes better and melts more smoothly.
• Use Alfredo Sauce: In a pinch, you can substitute alfredo sauce for the white pizza sauce.
• Timing: Wait to boil the pasta until just before baking to prevent mushy noodles.
• Texture Matters: Use pasta with a textured outside and hollow inside for better sauce adherence.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.