Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and delicious dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it from becoming watery is to cook the asparagus separately. The crispy, golden cheese topping is irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cheddar Jalapeño Burgers and Roasted Green Bean Quinoa Salad.

What You'll Need for Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 cups cooked pasta (like elbow or penne)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the asparagus in a skillet with a little water until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese.

Storing & Reheating Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Freezing Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, try using Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk in the cheese sauce.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the asparagus with broccoli, cauliflower, or a mix of vegetables.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, cook it a little longer to thicken it up.

Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 cups cooked pasta (like elbow or penne)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Optional Toppings

• Breadcrumbs for topping
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the asparagus in a skillet with a little water until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the skillet and stir to combine. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, try using Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk in the cheese sauce.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the asparagus with broccoli, cauliflower, or a mix of vegetables.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, cook it a little longer to thicken it up.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sat. Fat: 15g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!