The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta – Page 2

How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite), about 9-11 minutes.
Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the pasta water (about 1/2 cup) in case you need it later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the creamy sauce.

In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer, but be careful not to let it boil.
Once the sauce is heated, stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, keeping in mind that the Parmesan will add some saltiness.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine it with the cooked penne pasta.

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Stir until all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Next, transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a baking dish.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy, golden crust.

5. Bake the Pasta

Now it’s time to bake the pasta.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
If you want a more crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the baked penne pasta is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve this dish as a main course with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Baked Penne Pasta

Use Fresh Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, try to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, creamier texture.
Customize the Add-ins: You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can also be added to make the dish even more flavorful.
Make It Lighter: If you want to make this dish a bit lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt for the creamy texture.
Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or some chopped fresh chili peppers.
Use Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is a classic choice for baked pasta dishes, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like, such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini.

Why The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta is a Winner

This dish has everything you could want in a comforting meal – it’s rich, cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal, The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta is the perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and delivers on taste every time.

With its creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and satisfying pasta, this baked penne pasta will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s called the ultimate creamy baked pasta!

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