Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe Easy Creamy Dinner Ideas
A comforting dish with golden, bubbly cheese on top of creamy garlic-infused pasta, baked to perfection. Perfect for cozy family dinners or satisfying carb cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, spinach, or mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but drain it 1 minute early to keep it al dente. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
[‘Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Cook pasta slightly al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.’, ‘Broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking for a golden, crispy top.’, ‘You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.’, ‘If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Family Dinner, Kid-Friendly Recipe, Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free Option