Origin Green Bean Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a beloved American classic, and this version adds green beans for a simple way to incorporate vegetables while keeping all the cheesy goodness intact.

What I Love About This Recipe

It’s cozy, creamy, and comforting — and the green beans add texture, freshness, and a nutritious touch. It’s a smart way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing flavor.

Also Read : Oven Baked Pulled Ham

Green Bean Mac and Cheese

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of boiling, add the green beans. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
• Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
• Stir in cheddar, mozzarella (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Combine cooked pasta and green beans with the cheese sauce. Mix well and pour into the prepared dish.
• If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use frozen green beans if fresh aren’t available — just thaw and drain well.
• Add cooked bacon, ham, or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
• For a spicier version, stir in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

The post Green Bean Mac and Cheese appeared first on RecipeWikki.

Origin Creamy Tuna Florentine Pasta Bake

Florentine dishes, inspired by Italian cuisine, typically feature spinach, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tuna in this dish. This pasta bake takes the classic flavors of a tuna casserole and elevates it with a rich béchamel-style sauce and plenty of cheese.

What I Love About This Recipe

The combination of creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and fresh spinach makes this dish both comforting and nutritious. The golden, cheesy crust adds a deliciously crispy texture. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta while still feeling indulgent.

Also Read : Sticky Rice with Passion Fruit Sauce

Creamy Tuna Florentine Pasta Bake

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

510

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained and flaked

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for topping)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
• Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything.
• Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and gently fold in the tuna and cooked pasta.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese for extra crunch.
• Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Swap canned tuna for cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.
• Use Gruyère or cheddar for a richer, more complex cheese flavor.

The post Creamy Tuna Florentine Pasta Bake appeared first on RecipeWikki.

Origin Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake

French onion soup originated in France and became popular for its deep, rich flavor from caramelized onions and beef broth. This pasta bake takes inspiration from the soup by incorporating caramelized onions, cheese, and a creamy sauce, giving it a unique twist on a classic dish.

What I Love About This Recipe

This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The caramelized onions add a deep umami taste, while the creamy sauce makes it irresistibly comforting. I love how the melted cheese on top creates a deliciously golden crust, making every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Also Read : Belizean Chicken Stew

Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

512

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally until onions are golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
• Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the flour and mix well, then slowly add beef broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
• Pour in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Pour in the onion-cream mixture and mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
• Swap Gruyère for Swiss or provolone cheese if needed.

The post Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake appeared first on RecipeWikki.