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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake. A rich and cheesy pasta dish that’s baked to perfection, creating a deliciously satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce:

  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for topping)
  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1 cup for sauce, 1½ cups for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish and Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Optional breadcrumb topping: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, do not rinse, and toss with olive oil.
  3. Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Season with spices.
  4. Add cheeses and combine: Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Combine with cooked pasta and parsley.
  5. Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses and optional breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let rest before serving, garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Feel free to add cooked protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.
  • For a crispy topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Bake, Garlic Parmesan, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-bake-recipe/