Description
Cream Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
12 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Veggies:
In a baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes and mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add Cream Cheese:
Place the cream cheese block in the center of the dish. Surround it with the seasoned vegetables.
Bake:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are roasted.
Mix Together:
Stir the melted cream cheese and roasted veggies to create a creamy sauce.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle Parmesan and Mozzarella on top. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! Perfect for a cozy dinner. #PastaBake #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this detailed guide. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will cook further in the oven. While the pasta boils, prepare your vegetables. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Place the full block of softened cream cheese directly in the center of the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cream cheese is very soft and the tomatoes have burst. Carefully remove the dish and stir the melted cream cheese into the roasted vegetables, creating a rich, chunky sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Evenly top with the grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken strips or serve alongside garlic bread. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
In summary: cook pasta, roast veggies and cream cheese together, mix to create sauce, combine with pasta, top with more cheese and bake until golden. The key is letting the cream cheese and vegetables roast together to build a deep, flavorful base for the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work best as they hold the sauce well.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? It already is vegetarian! Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if required.
Can I add protein to this bake? Yes. Cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or white beans can be stirred in with the pasta before adding the final cheese topping.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it? Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Stir it in when combining the pasta and sauce to reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can assemble the entire bake, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the final baking time if cooking from cold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will become mushy during the final bake. Do not use cold cream cheese straight from the fridge; softening it ensures it melts evenly. Finally, do not skip the step of roasting the vegetables with the cream cheese block, as this process concentrates their flavors and is essential for creating the sauce.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Its flexible nature allows for endless customization based on what you have on hand. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this reliably creamy and cheesy bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.