Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Creamy garlic sauce combined with tender pasta and melted cheeses makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and simmer gently until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta with the garlic cream sauce, mixing well to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste and smoother sauce.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce richness, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating helps maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Choose pasta that holds sauce well for the best results.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just ensure your cheese is suitable for vegetarians, as some Parmesan uses animal rennet.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender pasta with a rich garlic cream sauce, topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a perfect meal for cheese lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful pasta bake.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Garlic Cream Sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare Garlic Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continually. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the garlic cream sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the additional 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini instead of elbow macaroni.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives a subtle heat.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, Creamy Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta, Italian Pasta Dish, Cheese Pasta Bake, Mozzarella Parmesan Pasta