Linguine Casserole
A hearty linguine casserole blending ham, mushrooms, and peppers in a creamy Romano cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. linguine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 oz. can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 4 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked cubed ham ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 sliced red pepper
- 1 sliced green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 c. seasoned croutons ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions.
- Melt margarine in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour and salt, stirring constantly; then add evaporated milk.
- Bring to boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 minute.
- Add mushroom liquid, water, and chicken bouillon cube; cook until bubbly and slightly thick.
- Mix 2 cups of sauce and mushrooms with cooked linguine; toss until well combined.
- Spread the mixture in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Top with sliced red and green peppers, seasoned croutons, and grated Romano cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the margarine with olive oil and using whole wheat linguine. You can also replace the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Don't forget to stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This linguine casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, similar to the comfort of American recipes like Chicken And Red Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover linguine casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine Casserole contains roughly 1878 calories, with 10g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 192g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (77% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2586mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. Be sure to check the package instructions for the best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the linguine casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, or microwave individual portions directly from frozen, adjusting the time as necessary.
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).