Crunchy Pasta And Cheese
A crunchy, cheesy pasta casserole combining canned tomato and cheese sauce with crispy corn chips and shredded American cheese for a satisfying, flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Open the canned pasta in tomato and cheese sauce using a can opener.
- Pour the pasta into a 1-quart casserole with a lid.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Crumble corn chips on top of the cheese layer.
- Cover the casserole with its lid.
- Microwave the casserole until hot and bubbly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Use potholders to handle the hot casserole and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try mixing in some cooked vegetables or cooked ground meat to the pasta before microwaving. If you want a bit of spice, consider using spicy corn chips instead of regular ones. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. Make sure to keep an eye on the casserole while microwaving to prevent it from overflowing.
Serving Suggestions
This crunchy pasta and cheese dish makes a great quick meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve alongside a dollop of Radish Spread for an extra kick of flavor. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Pasta And Cheese contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While canned pasta is specifically called for, you can use any pre-cooked pasta you have on hand. Just ensure it's heated thoroughly before adding the cheese and corn chips. Adjust cooking times accordingly if you're using a different type of pasta.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it includes pasta, cheese, and corn chips. Just double-check the ingredients on the corn chips to ensure they don’t contain any animal products. You can also enhance it with vegetarian recipes like added veggies for extra nutrition.
How can I make this dish more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to the casserole before microwaving. You can also use whole grain or high-fiber pasta if available. This will give you a more balanced meal while keeping the delightful crunch from the corn chips.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).