Baked Pasta

Creamy and dreamy! That’s what this pasta is! It comes together quickly which makes it a great weeknight meal. The kids love it so much that they always ask to take the leftovers for lunch the next day.

The sauce is mainly made up of milk, butter & flour and cheese. Feel feel free to add veggies such as carrots or broccoli to the dish as well for more texture. It’s such a versatile dish and always comes out amazing!

I grew up eating this meal. My mom used to make it often since the whole family loved it. It’s easy to make for a working mom and is inexpensive so that’s another win! It’s great served with a side salad such as my Fattoush salad.

HOW DO I MAKE IT?
You’ll start by boiling the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the sauce then transfer to a baking dish.
In a pot you’ll melt butter and whisk in flour. This will create a roux which will thicken the sauce. Next, you’ll whisk in the milk and add the seasonings and garlic. You’ll bring the sauce to a boil then remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
Next, you’ll pour the sauce over the pasta and stir to coat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the dish and bake in a preheated oven. I like to broil it for the last couple of minutes to crisp up the cheese a little.

TIPS TO MAKE THE PASTA:
1. Don’t over cook the pasta. Since it will be cooking in the oven with the sauce, try not to over cook the pasta.
2. Feel free to add veggies such as broccoli or carrot slices to the pasta before baking.
3. Whisk the milk in slowly to incorporate the roux into the milk to prevent a chunky sauce.
4. Serve immediately after baking while the sauce is hot and creamy.

Baked Pasta

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 35 Minutes 35 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 3.8/5

( 4 voted )

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Ingredients

454g box macaroni

4 tbsp butter

4 tbsp flour

5 cups milk

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp black pepper

4 cups shredded mozzarella/cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°

Boil pasta according to pkg; set aside in a baking dish (do not over boil the pasta)

In a pot melt butter, whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in milk.

Add seasonings and stir until boiling point then remove from the heat and stir in 2 cups of cheese. 

Pour the sauce directly over macaroni, stir to coat all the pasta.

Top with remaining cheese.

Bake covered for 20 minutes.

Remove cover and bake for another 10 minutes.