Description
Creamy Baked Penne Pasta
Ingredients
:
For the Pasta:
400g Penne Pasta
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Milk
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously to create a roux (a thick paste), cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a grind of black pepper. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread for the perfect meal!
A Comforting, Cheesy Delight!
This creamy baked penne pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing rich and comforting flavors with every bite. The gooey cheese sauce and crispy topping make it an instant favorite.
Bon Appétit!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. 2. Cook the penne in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking. 3. For the roux, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 full minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. 4. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. 5. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings until fully melted and smooth. 6. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. 7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top evenly with cheddar cheese. 8. Bake on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or garlic bread for dipping. For a heartier spread, add grilled chicken or Italian sausages. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
How-to Summary
Boil penne pasta until al dente. Create a creamy cheese sauce by making a roux (butter and flour), then whisking in milk and cream. Melt mozzarella and parmesan into the sauce. Combine sauce and pasta, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta with sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping cheese just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent substitutes as their shapes hold sauce well. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of milk, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm throughout.
My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it? Simply whisk in a small amount of warm milk or pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Do this before combining with the pasta.
Can I freeze baked penne? It’s possible, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta. Boil only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not cooking the roux long enough. Cook the butter and flour for a full 2 minutes to avoid a floury taste in your sauce.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce. Always remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent a grainy, separated texture.
- Skipping the rest time. Let the baked pasta sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the sauce to set for cleaner serving.
Conclusion
This creamy baked penne pasta is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a satisfying, cheesy experience with minimal fuss. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Its versatility and make-ahead potential make it a reliable recipe to return to again and again. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cheesy masterpiece.