Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy pasta is tossed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or sausage to the pasta bake for extra protein.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 20g
