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Easy Make-Ahead Pasta Bake Recipe with Cheesy Herb Sauce for Perfect Family Dinners

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A quick and easy pasta bake featuring a creamy cheesy herb sauce, perfect for make-ahead family dinners and busy nights. This comforting dish combines simple pantry staples with fresh herbs for a rich yet fresh flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond milk for lighter version)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses until smooth and creamy.
  7. Season the sauce with chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Combine cooked pasta with the cheesy herb sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a cheesy crust if desired.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  11. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Use good-quality Parmesan like Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor. Whisk sauce constantly to avoid lumps. Under-cook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking. Shred your own cheese for better melting. The dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. For reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to revive creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, cheesy herb sauce, make-ahead dinner, family dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, baked pasta

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-make-ahead-pasta-bake-recipe-with-cheesy-herb-sauce-for-perfect-family-dinners/