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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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