Description
This Creamy Cheesy Baked Casserole delivers a rich, golden-brown crust over a velvety pasta interior that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or comforting family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese ((freshly shredded))
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese ((freshly shredded))
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Β½ tsp salt
- ΒΌ tsp black pepper
- Β½ tsp paprika
- Β½ cup panko breadcrumbs ((optional))
- 1 tbsp melted butter ((for topping))
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and grease a 9Γ13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce, transfer to baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350Β°F or microwave.