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!
