Pasta recipes make a weekly appearance on our dinner schedule. They are typically quick, easy, and filling, and this pasta bake is no different. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so comforting!
Simply mix up a quick stovetop sauce, toss with tender penne, then bake until bubbly and golden. What makes it extra special is the hint of nutmeg, plus a trio of melty cheeses. Kids love it, and parents love how easy this pasta bake recipe is.
If you are craving more pasta nights, try Cheesy Spaghetti Bake, Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta, or Cheesy Ravioli Bake.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Creamy. The cheese and sauce combine for a creamy and delicious bake.
- Cost-effective. Uses budget-friendly pantry staples that feel special.
- Prep ahead. Stores well in the fridge or freezer to bake on a busy day!
Pasta Bake Ingredients
- Penne pasta (12 ounces, about 3 cups)- The sturdy pasta tubes hold the creamy sauce and stay al dente after baking.
- Whole milk (3 cups)- Milk builds a smooth béchamel style base that turns rich without needing lots of cream.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)- Butter combines with flour for a roux that thickens the sauce and adds buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup)- Flour thickens the milk into a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (1 pinch)- Nutmeg adds a gentle warmth that enhances the creamy sauce without making it sweet.
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)- The seasonings balances richness and keeps flavors bright.
- Heavy cream (½ cup)- Cream adds extra body and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, divided (1 cup)- The cheese gives a salty, nutty depth inside and a savory finish on top.
- Shredded Swiss cheese, divided (1 cup)- Swiss cheese melts smoothly for stretchy, gooey pockets throughout.
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons)- Gives a final sprinkle that browns beautifully and adds cheesy aroma.
How to Make a Pasta Bake
PASTA. Boil penne until al dente, or slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
WARM. While the pasta is cooking, heat milk in a small saucepan. Keep warm, but do not let it simmer.
ROUX. In a separate saucepan, melt your butter. Add flour to melted butter and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the butter-flour mixture is golden. Slowly whisk in the warm milk. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking often until thickened – about 10 min. Remove from heat.
CHEESE SAUCE. Add heavy cream and ½ cup of Swiss and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
BAKE. Combine pasta with cheese sauce. Pour into a large buttered casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake at 400°F for 10 -15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is golden brown.
ENJOY! Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- To prevent a dry pasta bake, measure the pasta, cook it to true al dente, coat every piece in sauce and cheese, and keep the dish covered for most of the bake to trap moisture.
- Add a crispy topping by combining 1 cup of bread crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter, then spread it over the pasta and bake.
- Some common variations I use include mixing in sauteed broccoli florets, adding chicken sausage, sprinkling on bacon crumbles, or adding some spice with red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have penne pasta, use elbow, bowties, ziti, or shell pasta.
Pasta Bake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta, about 3 cups
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, or slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat milk in a small saucepan over low heat to warm, but do not let it simmer.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes, until mixture is golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking often, until thickened, about 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Add cream, ½ cup shredded Parmesan, and ½ cup Swiss cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and pour into the prepared pan. Top with remaining ½ cup shredded Parmesan, ½ cup Swiss cheese and the grated Parmesan. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To prevent a dry pasta bake, measure the pasta, cook it to true al dente, coat every piece in sauce and cheese, and keep the dish covered for most of the bake to trap moisture.
- Add a crispy topping by combining 1 cup of bread crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter, then spread it over the pasta and bake.
- Some common variations I use include mixing in sauteed broccoli florets, sprinkling on bacon crumbles, or adding some spice with red pepper flakes.
- If you don’t have penne pasta, use elbow, bowties, ziti, or shell pasta.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Adapted from Magical Recipes
Recipe FAQ
Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and leave it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To freeze, wrap it again with foil and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through; add a splash of milk to smooth out the texture.
Complete the Meal
Sides to Serve
Cheesy Garlic Bread
20 mins
Quick Caprese Salad
5 mins
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
16 mins
Arugula Salad
10 mins
Baked Pasta
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This recipe was first published August, 2017.
Clicked on chessy sour cream pasta casserole and got this. Not what I’m looking for. Might need to check your link settings.
Lucinda, thanks for the heads up. I’d like to go adjust the link, do you remember what post you were in that had the sour cream pasta link in it?
I used to make this recipe all of the time. Somehow the site changed. This used to be for “Creamy Sausage Penne Bake”. My family loved this recipe but I can’t find it. Do you still have the recipe and if so can you repost it or send it to me. It had penne, cream cheese, heavy cream, tomatos sauce and basil, I think. Thanks so much.