Quick & Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

A quick and delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its creamy sauce, crunchy topping, and cheesy goodness, this pasta bake will become a staple in your household.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
2. Chop Fresh Parsley: Rinse and chop the parsley for garnish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon), and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Add Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cook Al Dente: Follow the package instructions and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Pour in Milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assembling the Bake

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Breadcrumbs and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, then top with the breadcrumb mixture.

Baking the Dish

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
3. Broil (Optional): For an extra crunchy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

1. Serve Hot: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve with Sides: This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Suggested Pairings

• Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta bake.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty loaf to complement the flavors.
• Wine: Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a delightful meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Incorporate cooked spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms into the pasta mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make this dish more filling.
3. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving.
4. Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and cheese will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
3. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preference, adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for extra flavor.
4. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Conclusion

Quick and Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, making it a hit at any table. Its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping create a delightful meal that is both satisfying and simple to prepare. With endless variations and the option to make it ahead of time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this pasta bake will impress and delight everyone. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!

Yield: 6

Quick & Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

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A quick and delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its creamy sauce, crunchy topping, and cheesy goodness, this pasta bake will become a staple in your household.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta Bake:
• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For Topping:
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   Stir in the garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
   Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well.
   
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
6. Prepare the Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
   Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
   
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
   
8. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Variations: Feel free to add cooked chicken, broccoli, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a twist.

Make-Ahead: This pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.