When you need a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a luscious blend of tender pasta, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together until golden and bubbly. Simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
The first time I made this, the creamy sauce filled the kitchen with an irresistible garlic aroma. Once, I added a bit of cooked chicken and spinach—it turned out so rich and flavorful that it instantly became a family favorite. Whether you serve it on its own or as a side dish, this baked pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is everything you want in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It combines the ease of a one-pan bake with the decadence of a restaurant-style Alfredo dish. The sauce is rich but balanced, with plenty of garlic flavor and a hint of nutty Parmesan. Best of all, it’s customizable—add chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it your own.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe: Rich, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and comforting pasta bake featuring tender noodles tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, baked to perfection with a golden cheesy crust — the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired for a crispy cheesy crust. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture — pre-shredded cheese may clump.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated — bake an extra 10 minutes when reheating.
- Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a full dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini) – The perfect base for holding creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter – The start of a smooth and rich garlic-Parmesan sauce.
Garlic (minced) – Adds warmth and depth that infuses the entire dish.
All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce for a silky, luscious texture.
Heavy cream – Creates a luxuriously creamy base.
Milk – Balances richness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – The star of the dish, adding nutty, savory depth.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Italian seasoning – Adds a subtle herby flavor that complements the creaminess.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing flavor.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a burst of color.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the garlic-Parmesan sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Add the liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner for busy nights or gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Add cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Spinach and Mushroom Bake
Sauté sliced mushrooms and spinach before adding them to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.
Shrimp Parmesan Pasta Bake
Add cooked shrimp to the pasta mixture for a seafood twist.
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Bake
Crumble crispy bacon over the top before baking for smoky flavor.
Four-Cheese Version
Combine Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta for an ultra-cheesy upgrade.
Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Stir in steamed broccoli for a balanced, veggie-filled dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter in texture.
2. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely—penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi work great for this recipe.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. Can I add protein?
Chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage work perfectly.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the roux.
6. Can I skip baking it?
Yes, you can serve it straight from the skillet as a creamy stovetop pasta.
7. How can I make it extra garlicky?
Add roasted garlic or double the minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works for convenience.
9. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle before baking for a crispy crust.
10. What should I serve with this pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad make perfect sides.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is the kind of comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its rich, velvety sauce and cheesy baked topping, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta bake is guaranteed to impress—every forkful bursting with buttery garlic and Parmesan goodness.
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