Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck, this recipe combines the flavors of garlic, Italian herbs, and plenty of cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (150g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (15g) breadcrumbs
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to form a paste. Cook this mixture for approximately two minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce.
- Melt Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low, then add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to ensure all pasta is well coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then sprinkle the remaining half cup of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Breadcrumb topping adds crunch; for gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit entirely.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- The dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
