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cheesy pasta recipes Recipe

Cheesy Pasta Recipes

This Cheesy Baked Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious blend of melted cheeses, topped with a golden, bubbly crust. It’s simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 320 grams dry penne pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter For greasing the baking dish and for the sauce.
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika Optional.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 cheese grater
  • 1 oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease the baking dish lightly with butter.
  2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
  7. Add cooked penne pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  11. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken before baking.
You can swap out penne for any short pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli.
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.