Creamy Baked Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Pasta—a luscious, cheese-loaded dish perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a silky homemade cheese sauce made with three kinds of cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan—infused with a hint of garlic for irresistible flavor. Topped with golden, crunchy bread crumbs and baked to bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can customize with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Whether you're craving the warmth of baked pasta or hosting a casual dinner, this creamy baked pasta recipe delivers classic comfort in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g Penne pasta
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup Bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated evenly.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the pasta.
Bake the pasta dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5125 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 263.9 g | 338% | |
| Saturated Fat | 145.6 g | 728% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 774 mg | 258% | |
| Sodium | 6227 mg | 271% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 478.4 g | 174% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.5 g | ||
| Protein | 190.4 g | 381% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.9 mcg | 44% | |
| Calcium | 3887 mg | 299% | |
| Iron | 25.3 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 2641 mg | 56% | |
*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.
