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Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta – Comfort Food at Its Best

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta
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 This cheesy baked pasta is an indulgent, comforting dish made with layers of pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a perfect blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. It’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni works well)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Assemble: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for a crunchy topping.
  7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.

Notes

  • For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the sauce.
  • You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. If refrigerated, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbyandy.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-pasta-comfort-food-at-its-best/