Pasta Bake Recipe

5 from 30 votes

Pasta Bake is a deliciously cheesy meal, perfect for any night, and one that the whole family will love and devour in no time!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Lil' Luna

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 whipping cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese divided
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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 butter-flour 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 heavy cream, ½ cup shredded Parmesan, and ½ cup Swiss cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
Combine pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a buttered 9-x-13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup shredded Parmesan and , ½ cup Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with 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.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the pasta, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Variations: Crumbled bacon, diced cooked chicken, chopped chicken sausage and
vegetables like chopped broccoli or bell peppers make great additions.

Nutrition