Indulge in the elegant comfort of our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, a decadent culinary masterpiece that celebrates the harmony of rich flavors and refined textures. This luscious dish is a true delight for the senses, transporting you to a realm of gourmet pleasure with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake
Elevate your dining experience with this irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, a refined and cozy dish that will leave you feeling truly satisfied. Savor the delicate balance of al dente pasta, a creamy garlic-infused sauce, and the indulgent melted Parmesan that creates a heavenly, luscious texture. This inspiring recipe is a testament to the art of sophisticated comfort food, seamlessly blending elegant flavors and soothing warmth.
Ingredients
Delight your taste buds with the carefully curated ingredients that come together to create this gourmet Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake. From the al dente pasta to the rich, velvety sauce and the grated Parmesan cheese, each component plays a vital role in delivering an unforgettable culinary experience.
- 16 oz – Penne pasta
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 6 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups – Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup – Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: Fusilli or cavatappi would also work well in this dish, providing a delightful texture contrast.
- Cheese: For a more pronounced flavor, consider using a blend of Parmesan and Gruyère or Asiago cheeses.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake
Immerse yourself in the art of crafting this beautiful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, where each step is a testament to your culinary expertise.
Step 1 — Prepare the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2 — Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional minute, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 — Assemble and Bake
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce and gently toss to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs (if using). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve this decadent dish warm, allowing your guests to savor the harmonious flavors and textures that make this recipe a true culinary masterpiece.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta Bake: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, then incorporate them into the creamy sauce for an earthy, umami-rich variation.
- Crispy Parmesan Topping: For an extra layer of texture, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan before sprinkling over the top of the pasta bake.
- Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake: Fold in sautéed spinach and diced artichoke hearts for a sophisticated, vegetable-forward twist on this comforting dish.
- Bacon and Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake: Crumble crispy bacon and mix in caramelized onions for a decadent, savory-sweet combination.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, and a crisp white wine or a bold red blend.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, the unbaked pasta bake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the pasta bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the pasta bake up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Elevate your dining experience with the wholesome and refined Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your well-being. Explore the balanced nutritional profile that makes this recipe a tempting and guilt-free indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 589 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the dish is chilled.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! While we’ve used penne pasta in this recipe, you can easily substitute other shapes, such as fusilli or cavatappi. These alternatives will provide a delightful textural contrast and help to elevate the dish even further.
How can I make this recipe more keto-friendly?
To make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake more keto-friendly, you can swap the traditional pasta for a low-carb alternative, such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of flour used in the sauce and increase the amount of heavy cream to create a richer, more keto-approved sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a high-quality vegetarian or vegan cheese substitute. You can also explore adding sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers, to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, use a gluten-free pasta variety, such as quinoa or brown rice pasta, to ensure the entire dish is free of gluten.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy garlic parmesan pasta bake, a refined comfort dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, velvety sauce and a golden, cheesy topping.
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, mixing well to coat.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Noodles & Gnocchi
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg