Four Cheese Pasta Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Four Cheese Pasta Casserole, a decadent blend of creamy, cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and ricotta, this dish is the epitome of indulgence. A homemade roux infuses the casserole with a velvety texture, while hints of garlic and Italian seasoning add a savory depth of flavor. Topped with a bubbling, golden layer of cheese, this baked pasta dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this crowd-pleaser is ready in under an hour and serves six hearty portions. Don’t forget the fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color and flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Penne pasta
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the saucepan from heat.
Add 1 cup of mozzarella, 0.5 cup of cheddar, and the parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole for garnish before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy your Four Cheese Pasta Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4410 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.7 g | 279% | |
| Saturated Fat | 124.1 g | 620% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 722 mg | 241% | |
| Sodium | 6698 mg | 291% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 404.3 g | 147% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.8 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 229.1 g | 458% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.6 mcg | 38% | |
| Calcium | 5498 mg | 423% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 2541 mg | 54% | |
*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.
