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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake That'll Wow Your Taste Buds

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is a rich, comforting dish that delivers incredible flavor in under an hour.
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cheesy pasta, comfort food, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, easy recipe, pasta bake, Weeknight Meals
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni ideal for holding the creamy sauce

For the Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing garlic
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream for creaminess
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth to enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for herbal touch
  • 1 teaspoon salt to balance flavors
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper for warmth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated

For the Topping

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your ingredients and prep your equipment.
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, stirring to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in heavy cream and broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  • Lower heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until well combined.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the creamy pasta mixture, spreading evenly.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 800IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1.5mg