Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce, a dish that combines al dente pasta with a velvety, homemade cheese sauce. Made with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this quick and easy recipe features a luscious roux-based sauce infused with hints of nutmeg and freshly cracked black pepper for added depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this 30-minute masterpiece is topped with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve it as a satisfying main course or a decadent side dish—your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g cheddar cheese
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, start the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
Continue to cook the milk mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the milk sauce and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the cheese sauce, adjusting to taste.
Drain the cooked penne pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for an added touch of color and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious penne pasta with cheese sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
557 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.5 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.4 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 858 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 24.2 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 540 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 276 mg | 6% | |
*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.
