Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake (Recipe for Printing)
Indulge in a rich, cheesy pasta baked with creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce for effortless comfort.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces penne pasta
→ Dairy
02 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
3 cups whole milk or 2% milk
04 -
1 cup heavy cream
05 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow to fully preheat.
02 -
Cook penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 -
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer gently, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
05 -
Add grated Parmesan, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
06 -
Toss cooked penne with the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
07 -
Pour pasta and sauce into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
08 -
Top evenly with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
09 -
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon before baking.
02 -
Enhance with sautéed spinach or broccoli for added vegetables.
03 -
For a crunchy crust, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.