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Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe

Italian-American · Main course · 45 min total

A comforting, creamy pasta bake loaded with three types of cheese and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the pasta before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• To make ahead, assemble the dish (without breadcrumbs) and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs just before baking, and increase bake time by 10 minutes.

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