Asparagus and Pasta Casserole

This creamy and comforting casserole brings together tender asparagus and pasta in a deliciously cheesy blend. It's an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal with family and friends.

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TIME1 hr 20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese 1 (28 ounce) jar tomato sauce, divided 2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ½ pound asparagus, trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 large red bell pepper, diced

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite—about 8 minutes. Drain it and toss it into a large bowl.

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Step 2

Mix in the ricotta, 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and some chopped parsley with the pasta. Set this mixture aside for now.

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Step 3

Slice the asparagus into thin rounds, keeping the tips separate from the thicker stems. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it softens. Add the asparagus stems and cook for another 3 minutes, then stir in the bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Finally, toss in the asparagus tips and cook just until they’re tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.

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Step 4

Spread a cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the cooked veggies on top. Add half a cup of mozzarella cheese over the veggies. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and vegetables, pour the rest of the tomato sauce over everything, and finish with the remaining mozzarella.

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Step 5

Pop the casserole in the oven on the middle rack and bake it uncovered for about 30 minutes. Then move it up to the top rack and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let everything settle.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Blanch the asparagus briefly before baking to keep it crisp and bright green.
- Use a sharp cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère to add depth to the flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines tender asparagus with comforting pasta for a perfect balance of fresh and hearty flavors. It’s easy to make and brings a lovely mix of textures that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a family meal.

Serving ideas

Pair this dish with a light green salad and a crisp white wine for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a heartier option, add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms on the side.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven to keep the casserole moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the pasta.