18 Pasta Casserole Recipes to Warm Your Heart (and Impress Your Polish Guests)

As the Polish saying goes, “Gość w dom, Bóg w dom” (A guest in the house is God in the house). And what better way to welcome your guests than with a steaming, cheesy pasta casserole?

These 18 recipes bring the comfort of Polish cuisine into the world of casseroles. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a big party or just craving something hearty on a chilly night, these dishes—perfect for making ahead or serving large groups.

So, grab your casserole dish, channel your inner Polish host, and let’s get cooking with a dash of humor and a lot of heart!

1: Italian Pasta Bake

This classic is like the pierogi of pasta casseroles—simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 8 oz pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil for garnish

Process:

1. Cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until crumbled and fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, simmering for 10 minutes.
4. Mix cooked pasta with the sauce, then transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Make it Unique: Swap the ground beef for Polish kielbasa sausage for a smoky Kraków market vibe.

2: Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey isn’t exactly Polish, but this creamy dish is perfect for leftovers—like that Christmas carp you swore you’d finish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until golden.
3. Stir in flour to make a roux, then whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until thickened.
4. Add turkey, peas, sour cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
5. Mix in spaghetti, then transfer to a casserole dish.
6. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Make it Unique: Add chopped fresh dill for a cucumber salad-inspired twist.

3: Our Best Lasagna

Lasagna is the bigos of the pasta world—layered, rich, and better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg

Process:

1. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion and garlic.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and oregano, simmering for 20 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and half the Parmesan until smooth.
5. Layer in a casserole dish: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, mozzarella, repeating until done.
6. Top with remaining Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes until golden.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Make it Unique: Add a layer of sautéed cabbage for a gołąbki-inspired twist.

4: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

As comforting as a bowl of rosół, this creamy casserole is a hug in food form.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, cheddar, bell pepper, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Make it Unique: Toss in chopped Polish pickles for a tangy crunch.

5: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with pulled pork is like kiełbasa crashing a żurek party—unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups pulled pork
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni and pulled pork.
6. Transfer to a casserole dish.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Drizzle with Polish honey mustard for a sweet-spicy kick.

6: Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake

This dish is like a Polish mother’s love—warm, nourishing, and sneaking in some greens.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Steam broccoli until tender, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in chicken, broccoli, and penne.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Make it Unique: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy Polish depth.

7: Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham’s a Polish Easter hero, and this casserole wraps it in a cozy noodle blanket.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook egg noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream of celery soup, sour cream, Swiss cheese, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in diced ham and cooked noodles.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Make it Unique: Sprinkle caraway seeds on top for a Polish deli flavor.

8: Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Colorful as a Polish folk costume, this ziti brings summer vibes to your table.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz ziti pasta
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil for garnish

Process:

1. Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper until tender.
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and marinara sauce, simmering for 5 minutes.
4. Mix cooked ziti with the veggie sauce.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Add chopped dill for a fresh Polish twist.

9: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna might not be Polish tradition, but this budget-friendly dish is as comforting as barszcz on a snowy day.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook egg noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar, peas, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in tuna and cooked noodles.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Make it Unique: Add sautéed leeks for a sweet, oniony Polish layer.

10: Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the zapiekanka of casseroles—cheesy, simple, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni.
6. Transfer to a casserole dish.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Dust with smoked paprika for a kiełbasa-like smokiness.

11: Zucchini Lasagna

A lighter lasagna when zucchini is as abundant as potatoes in Poland.

Ingredients:

• 3 large zucchini, sliced thinly lengthwise
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg

Process:

1. In a skillet, brown ground turkey with onion and garlic.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano, simmering for 20 minutes.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, and half the Parmesan in a bowl.
4. Layer in a casserole dish: zucchini slices, meat sauce, ricotta mix, mozzarella, repeating until done.
5. Top with remaining Parmesan.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Make it Unique: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy Polish boost.

12: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Messy, fun, and flavorful—like a Polish zapiekanka with a twist.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper.
3. Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Mix penne with the meat sauce.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheddar.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Add chopped pickles for a tangy Polish zing.

13: Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatballs are like Polish klopsiki—cozy and versatile in this baked delight.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil for garnish

Process:

1. Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat meatballs in marinara sauce until warmed.
3. Mix rigatoni with meatballs and sauce.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy surprise.

14: Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Kale isn’t Polish tradition, but this hearty dish rivals bigos in comfort.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook fusilli until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in chopped kale and cooked fusilli.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Make it Unique: Toss in chopped walnuts for a crunchy Polish twist.

15: Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole

A hug from a Polish mom, with bacon to seal the deal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook rotini until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix ranch seasoning, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in chicken, bacon, and rotini.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Make it Unique: Top with chopped chives for a potato-dish-inspired finish.

16: Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Spicy like a Polish sausage with a kick, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, cheddar, blue cheese, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in chicken and cooked penne.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Serve with Polish pickles on the side for a tangy cool-down.

17: Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Mac and cheese meets bacon—like kiełbasa in a cheesy disguise.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni and bacon.
6. Transfer to a casserole dish.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Make it Unique: Sprinkle with smoked paprika for a smoky Polish meat nod.

18: Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

A veggie-packed lasagna as hearty as Polish vegetable soup, with a creamy twist.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 jar (24 oz) Alfredo sauce

Process:

1. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Steam butternut squash until tender, then mash.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, and half the Parmesan in a bowl.
4. Layer in a casserole dish: noodles, mashed squash, spinach, ricotta mix, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, repeating until done.
5. Top with remaining Parmesan.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until bubbly.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Make it Unique: Add sautéed leeks for a sweet, Polish-approved layer.

Presentation Tips for Polish Guests

When serving these casseroles to your Polish guests, go big and communal—Poles love a shared meal. Place the casserole dish in the table’s center, family-style, and let everyone dive in.

Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for color and a Polish flavor nod. Pair with tangy pickles, crusty rye bread, or a crisp cucumber salad to keep it authentic.

Raise a shot of vodka or a glass of Polish beer with a hearty “Na zdrowie!”—no Polish gathering is complete without a toast to good health and great company.