Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that's so irresistible, it'll have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! This White Cheddar Pasta Bake is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece. With its golden, crispy breadcrumb topping and luxuriously smooth white cheddar sauce, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises to elevate your home cooking game.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- White cheddar cheese, shredded
- Milk
- Butter
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring that all the pasta is well-coated.
- Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set a bit and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional shredded white cheddar or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious White Cheddar Pasta Bake!
Tips
- Use high-quality white cheddar for the most robust flavor
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking
- Whisk the cheese sauce constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to your cheese sauce
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan for depth
- Toast your breadcrumbs lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 510kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 20g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
