This unique twist on traditional macaroni and cheese uses spaghetti as its base, blending familiar comfort food flavors with a playful format. It combines the gooey richness of sharp cheddar, American cheese, and Dijon mustard with the texture of spaghetti and the added brightness of peas or broccoli. A buttery breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, making it a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknights or potlucks. With both creamy and crisp elements, this dish is a nostalgic yet inventive way to enjoy classic cheese pasta in a new form.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup bread crumbs (coarse, white)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- 14-16 oz spaghetti
- 10 oz frozen peas ( or 2 cups fresh broccoli florets)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup American cheese (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cooked ham (diced, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Topping
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1 tbsp melted butter. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Pasta & Veggies
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Add peas (or broccoli) during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking water.
Step 3: Make Cheese Sauce
- In the now-empty pasta pot, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Stir in Dijon mustard.
- Slowly add cheddar and American cheeses, stirring to melt.
- Add about 1½ cups reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce (add more as needed).
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Return pasta and vegetables to the pot and stir to coat with the cheese sauce.
- Add diced ham if using.
- Pour into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until topping is golden.
Tips
- Substitute broccoli for peas if you prefer more texture or a heartier vegetable.
- Add diced cooked ham (noted on card margin) for a protein boost.
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a flavor boost.
- Swap American cheese for Monterey Jack or Colby for milder flavor.
- Stir in ½ cup of cooked bacon pieces for smoky richness.
- Make it creamier by adding ¼ cup heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- For easy serving, bake the finished pasta in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs.
- Add a handful of fresh herbs (parsley, chives) before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 861mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 730IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 467mgIron: 3mg
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