Save This hearty Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Pasta transforms the beloved holiday side dish into a satisfying main course. The familiar flavors of creamy green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy onions are reimagined in pasta form, creating a comforting dish that works year-round but feels especially appropriate during the holiday season.
My family discovered this recipe three years ago when we were craving Thanksgiving flavors but wanted something more substantial than just sides. Now it makes an appearance at our table at least monthly during fall and winter when we need something truly comforting.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz short pasta like penne or rigatoni for the perfect sauce to pasta ratio
- Fresh green beans: provide the signature flavor and a wonderful texture contrast
- Cremini mushrooms: deliver a rich earthy flavor that deepens the entire dish
- Yellow onion and garlic: create an aromatic base essential for depth
- Butter and flour: combine to create the roux that thickens the sauce beautifully
- Whole milk: ensures a creamy luxurious sauce that coats every bite
- Parmesan cheese: adds the perfect savory note and helps thicken the sauce
- Dried thyme: provides that classic holiday herb flavor profile
- Nutmeg: is the secret ingredient that elevates the sauce to restaurant quality
- Crispy fried onions: create that essential crunchy topping we all fight over
- Sharp cheddar cheese: optional but adds a wonderful golden color when melted
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish making sure to get into all the corners to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures easy serving and cleanup later.
- Cook Pasta And Beans Together:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions but subtract one minute since it will continue cooking in the oven. During the final two minutes of cooking add your trimmed green beans. This time saving technique partially cooks the beans while ensuring they maintain some texture. Drain everything together but do not rinse to preserve the starchy exterior that helps sauce adhere.
- Create The Mushroom Base:
- In a large deep skillet melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add diced onion and cook until translucent about 3 minutes stirring occasionally. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown at the edges. This caramelization is crucial for developing deep flavor. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 1 minute more being careful not to burn it as garlic can quickly become bitter.
- Make The Creamy Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will look pasty and dry. Gradually pour in milk and broth in small amounts at first whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once all liquid is incorporated bring to a gentle simmer watching carefully as milk can quickly boil over. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring frequently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Add Parmesan cheese thyme pepper salt and nutmeg stirring until cheese is fully melted. The sauce should be smooth and velvety with no graininess.
- Combine And Assemble:
- Add the drained pasta and green beans to your sauce either in the skillet if large enough or in a separate mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish spreading it evenly to the edges. Top generously with crispy fried onions and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using making sure to cover the entire surface for that picture perfect golden crust.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. If the onions begin to darken too quickly cover loosely with foil. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set up slightly which makes for neater portions.
Save The crispy fried onions are truly the star of this dish for me. I discovered this the hard way when I once tried to substitute breadcrumbs thinking it would be healthier. My family staged a minor revolt and demanded the return of the proper topping. Now I sometimes even add an extra half cup of onions because they disappear so quickly when served.
Make Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for busy holiday planning. You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. The crispy onions maintain their texture best when added just before baking, so consider keeping them separate until the last minute if preparing far in advance.
Substitution Guide
If fresh green beans aren't available, frozen green beans work well too. Thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. The sauce will thicken slightly differently but still deliciously. Plant-based alternatives work wonderfully here too. Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use vegan butter and cheese to create a completely vegan dish that maintains the comfort food appeal.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines as a main dish alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more elaborate spread, serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a cranberry sauce for that full Thanksgiving experience any time of year. If serving as a side dish at a holiday gathering, pair it with roasted turkey or ham for a showstopping meal. A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors beautifully for adult diners.
Storage and Reheating
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. For individual portions, microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying out. The crispy onion topping will soften during storage but still tastes delicious. For maximum crunch when serving leftovers, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of crispy onions after reheating.
Save This decadent casserole offers a delightful twist on a favorite comfort food, sure to impress any palate. Enjoy this warm, creamy dish with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, substitute frozen green beans for fresh. Briefly thaw and drain before adding with the pasta, adjusting cook time as needed.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese to keep the dish creamy and satisfying.
- → Is there a meat option?
Add cooked, shredded turkey or chicken to the pasta mixture before baking for a hearty, non-vegetarian version.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce and toppings well, enhancing texture in every bite.
- → How do I keep the topping crispy?
Top with crispy onions and cheese just before baking. Serve soon after to maintain crunch and avoid sogginess.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Assemble the pasta and sauce in advance. Add the topping and bake before serving for best texture and flavor.