Pasta Bake Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
444 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pasta Bake Recipe
Description
The Pasta Bake recipe prepares penne pasta just shy of fully cooked and mixes it with a béchamel-style cheese sauce made by cooking a roux of butter and flour, then gradually whisking in warm milk. Seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, the sauce thickens before cream and shredded Parmesan and Swiss cheeses are melted in. The pasta and sauce combine and are placed in a buttered baking dish.
The dish is topped with additional Parmesan and Swiss cheese to create a golden crust after baking covered then uncovered at 400°F. The casserole has a creamy interior with a tender texture contrasted by the lightly browned and crisp cheese topping.
It can be served as a comforting main or side dish. Variations include adding cooked bacon, chicken, sausage, or vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to enhance flavor and nutrition.
For convenience, the assembled bake can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking. Let it reach room temperature prior to baking for even heating.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta about 3 cups
- 3 cups milk whole
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- salt to taste, coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper to taste, coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, shredded
- 1 cup swiss cheese divided, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, or slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat milk in a small saucepan over low heat to warm, but do not let it simmer.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes, until mixture is golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking often, until thickened, about 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Add cream, ½ cup shredded Parmesan, and ½ cup Swiss cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and pour into the prepared pan. Top with remaining ½ cup shredded Parmesan, ½ cup Swiss cheese and the grated Parmesan. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The assembled pasta bake can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Allow the dish to sit at room temperature a few minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Add cooked bacon, chicken, sausage, or vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers to customize the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 444kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 308mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 289mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 773IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 376mg | 38% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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