Creamy Baked Pasta
A delightful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or rigatoni) Choose your preferred pasta shape.
- 2 cups heavy cream Can be substituted with Greek yogurt and broth for a lighter option.
- 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) Feel free to mix cheeses for variety.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- ½ cup chopped parsley (for garnish) Can be omitted if not available.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic and parsley, measure out your cheeses, and boil the kettle for pasta.
Cooking
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Add the salt and pepper, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated cheese and Parmesan until melted and well incorporated into the cream sauce.
Assembly and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top layer is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or covering with breadcrumbs before baking.