Pasta Wheels And Cheese Recipes

DUMP-AND-BAKE WAGON WHEEL PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray.
• In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together dry (uncooked) pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt and basil (if using). Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake (covered) for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5-10 minutes -- or just until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender.
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

WAGON WHEELS PASTA AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°; spray 12 (1 cup) ovenproof ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter over med-high heat until melted and hot.
• Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt; add chicken to skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cooked through.
• Add flour and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until blended and smooth.
• Gradually stir in milk.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened.
• Add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Stir in broccoli.
• Add cooked pasta to cheese mixture, stirring gently until well blended.
• Spoon mixture into prepared baking dishes.
• In a small bowl, combine panko and melted butter.
• Sprinkle over casseroles; bake 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
• Let stand to cool slightly before serving.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA WITH RICOTTA CHEESE, BACON, AND PEAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Boil pasta, uncovered, for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
• Remove from heat, drain the pasta, and then return the pasta to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy skillet.
• Add the onion and sauté until soft and lightly brown, about 3 minutes; remove from heat, and add the onion to the pasta.
• Cook bacon strips in the same skillet until crisp, set on a paper towel to drain.
• Once cool, crumble into small pieces, and add to the pasta.
• Add the chicken broth, peas, ricotta cheese, egg, basil, parsley, parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to the pasta, and stir to combine.
• Transfer pasta to a 7x11 casserole dish.
• Sprinkle Fontina cheese and bread crumbs on top and bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and the bread crumbs have turned a golden brown.