Forktionary

Baked Creamy Pasta Recipe

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy pasta bake! The melted cheese topping is irresistible, but this recipe is equally delicious without baking (saving you 15 minutes!). Experience perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce. Try it both ways and discover your favorite!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 746.3 kcal
Protein 74g
Rating 3.0 (3 Reviews)
Baked Creamy Pasta 28

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baked Creamy Pasta

  • 1 pound Penne Rigate
  • As part of 1 (1-ounce) packet Borden Shredded Medleys Pesto Parmesan seasoning
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Parsley
  • 1 tablespoon pesto sauce (if substituting for Borden seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • To taste (as preferred seasonings, if substituting for Borden seasoning)
  • Extra cheese for topping (quantity to taste, for baked version)

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Baked Creamy Pasta? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Baked Creamy Pasta

  1. Cook 1 pound pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce (this saves time!).
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  4. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  5. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, cooking for 5 minutes, or until the sauce comes to a boil and slightly thickens.
  7. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in 2 cups milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
  8. Stir in 1 (1-ounce) packet of Borden Shredded Medleys Pesto Parmesan seasoning (or 1 tablespoon pesto and your preferred seasonings) until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste).
  10. Pour sauce over hot pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
  11. For the baked version: transfer pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

40 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

68g

Carbs

31g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Lunch Main Dish / Dinner European Italian American 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation Healthy Pasta Dietary High Calcium High In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Penne