Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With a luscious garlic cream sauce, melted cheeses, and a hint of Italian seasoning, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring well to combine and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the skillet, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
9. Step 9: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
13. Step 13: Garnish with fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need a gluten-free option.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or broth before reheating helps keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What pasta works best for this bake?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their hollow shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but other short pasta like fusilli or shells work too.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta bake is a comforting and cheesy dish featuring tender penne or rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich homemade Parmesan sauce. With a golden, bubbly mozzarella topping and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a hearty dinner or gathering.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined with sauce later.
3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the sauce.
4. Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, which will help thicken the sauce.
5. Make Sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth carefully to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Season Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your flavor preference.
7. Add Parmesan: Reduce heat to low, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully, resulting in a smooth, rich sauce.
8. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
9. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta to create a delightful cheesy crust.
11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown on top.
12. Cool & Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes before serving for a pop of color and a touch of heat.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• You can substitute penne or rigatoni with other tubular pasta shapes like ziti or macaroni.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
• If you want extra crispiness on top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: Creamy garlic parmesan pasta bake, baked pasta recipe, cheesy pasta casserole, comfort food, Italian pasta bake