Pizza is a beloved dish with endless variations, and this Cheesy White Pizza Casserole brings a delightful twist to the traditional pizza. Creamy white sauce, tender pasta, savory chicken, and plenty of cheese come together to create a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked rigatoni pasta. Spread half of the prepared white sauce over the pasta. Add half of the cooked chicken and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Enjoy:
- Scoop out a hearty serving of this Cheesy White Pizza Casserole and savor the creamy white sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and, of course, the irresistible blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cheesy White Pizza Casserole offers the delicious flavors of a classic white pizza in a convenient casserole form. The creamy sauce, savory chicken, and melty cheese will make it an instant family favorite. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will surely impress your taste buds with its comforting and cheesy goodness.
