Baked Three Cheeses and Buttered Spirals
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Three Cheeses and Buttered Spirals recipe, a decadent blend of gooey cheese and buttery pasta that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Tender rotini pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce featuring a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and tangy parmesan—then baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping. Infused with the subtle warmth of garlic powder and a hint of black pepper, this dish delivers a depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make, oven-baked pasta is as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and fresh flavor, and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Keywords: baked three cheese pasta, buttered spirals, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipe, creamy baked pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spiral pasta (rotini)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral pasta (rotini) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan to the sauce, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2669 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.0 g | 205% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.4 g | 482% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 491 mg | 164% | |
| Sodium | 5427 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.4 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.4 g | ||
| Protein | 127.3 g | 255% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.3 mcg | 31% | |
| Calcium | 3143 mg | 242% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1347 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
