Description
This creamy baked pasta recipe delivers a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining tender pasta with a rich garlic-infused cream sauce and a blend of melted cheeses, then baked to golden perfection, it’s a simple yet heartwarming dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper to the pan with garlic. Stir gently to combine and heat until warm but not boiling.
- Add Cheeses: Mix in the grated cheese and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle chopped parsley evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the grated cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend to tailor the flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Ensure pasta is drained well to prevent a watery dish.
