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Cheesy Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Classic, comforting, and incredibly cheesy pasta bake! Features a creamy homemade cheese sauce, your favorite pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional additions: cooked bacon crumbles, cooked sausage, chopped vegetables (broccoli, peas, mushrooms)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken (5-7 minutes).
  4. Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 3 cups of the cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. Add optional ingredients: If using, stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables.
  8. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Pour into baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  10. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
  11. Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Toss to coat.
  12. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese topping.
  13. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  14. Rest: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Cheese variations: Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
  • Make it vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian meal.
  • Make it ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • Freezing: This pasta bake freezes well. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Breadcrumb alternatives: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even potato chips for the topping.
  • Milk alternatives: While whole milk will give you the richest sauce, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk in a pinch. The sauce might be slightly thinner.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/cheesy-pasta-bake/