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