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Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Perfect

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This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner. Packed with creamy, garlicky goodness, tender pasta, and the golden crispiness of melted Parmesan on top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, or substitute with 2% or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4-5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter mixture. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the flour is golden and well incorporated.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, making sure every piece is coated evenly.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone when combined with the sauce.’, ‘Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Use a large skillet to mix the pasta and sauce without spilling.’, ‘For a golden crust, check the bake during the last few minutes and use the broiler if needed.’, ‘Customize the flavor with red pepper flakes or adjust the garlic amount.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, kid-friendly pasta, weeknight dinner

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