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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake 2025 12 16 202800 150x150 1

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

A cozy and creamy pasta bake featuring garlic and Parmesan, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and gooey cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and great for leftovers.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • For the Topping: 1/4 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Add the broth and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan, mozzarella (reserve a small handful for topping), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Pour the pasta and sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.
  9. Mix breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter), a pinch of salt, and pepper. Evenly scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. If you like a browner top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Watch the broiler closely, as breadcrumbs can burn fast.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://spreadrecipes.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-bake/