Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight

Introduction:
If you love creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked pasta, this recipe is for you! This Cheesy Baked Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, gooey, and flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser. With a golden, crispy cheese topping and a creamy, flavorful interior, it’s hard to resist!

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g rotini or any pasta of choice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Cook the Pasta
   • Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
   • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute.
   • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
   • Add salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir well.
   • Gradually add 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   • Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble the Dish
   • Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake to Perfection
   • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Tips:

• Add chicken, ground beef, or vegetables for extra protein and texture.
• For an extra crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
• If you like it extra creamy, add an extra ½ cup of milk to the sauce.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cheesy baked pasta! 🍽️