Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy baked pasta with a luscious white sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish combines tender pasta, savory cheese, and a rich sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy baked pasta with white sauce!
