Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Fusilli Cheddar Bake—a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Twirls of al dente fusilli are enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned with a hint of garlic and onion powder. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of parmesan-infused breadcrumbs and extra cheddar, this bake delivers the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch in every bite. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a hearty, satisfying meal your family will adore. Perfect for lovers of baked pasta dishes and classic comfort food, this easy Fusilli Cheddar Bake will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish with a small amount of butter or olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli 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 continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5 minutes).
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, reserving about 50 g for the topping. Stir until the cheese has completely melted. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Combine the cooked fusilli pasta with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to create a crumbly topping.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta, then sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the fusilli cheddar bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
4143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 189.5 g | 243% | |
| Saturated Fat | 108.1 g | 540% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 535 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 7234 mg | 315% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 446.0 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.8 g | ||
| Protein | 181.0 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.5 mcg | 37% | |
| Calcium | 3509 mg | 270% | |
| Iron | 15.3 mg | 85% | |
| Potassium | 1869 mg | 40% | |
*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.