Seared Penne and Cheeses
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Seared Penne and Cheeses recipe, a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, golden textures. Featuring a luscious three-cheese sauce made with cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to new heights by searing the penne in olive oil for a crispy, caramelized layer. Topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy yet elevated pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you're craving a cozy classic or looking for a new twist on cheesy pasta, this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and no lumps remain.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese sauce is smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly. Spread the pasta into an even layer and allow it to sear without stirring for 3-4 minutes to achieve a crispy bottom.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently fold to coat the penne evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
In a small pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden brown. Sprinkle over the seared penne.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Seared Penne and Cheeses!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
847 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.9 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.8 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 128 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 1549 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.1 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 39.8 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 935 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 337 mg | 7% | |
*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.
