Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake
Introduction
Indulge in ultimate comfort with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake—a bubbling, golden casserole that seamlessly combines savory garlic, creamy sauce, and nutty parmesan. It’s an easy, fuss-free way to satisfy a crowd or transform an ordinary weeknight meal into something unforgettable.
This recipe delivers deep, comforting flavors with minimal prep, and it’s adaptable for families, picky eaters, or anyone craving cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Bake
The star of this dish is its irresistibly rich and melty sauce: layers of velvety cream meet the bold essence of roasted garlic and the salty bite of parmesan. Toasted golden on top and decadently creamy beneath, each forkful balances textures and flavors, making it a universally praised crowd-pleaser.
Plus, the entire casserole comes together in just a few steps—no professional culinary skills required.
Getting Started: Prep Made Easy
Chop your onions and herbs uniformly for even flavor distribution by using the handy Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Meanwhile, preheat your oven and set out all the ingredients for an effortless assembly.
Rely on Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to line your baking dish for perfect, no-stick cleanup. This simple step also prevents the creamy base from scorching or sticking to your casserole pan, keeping every bite luscious.
Building the Sauce
In a nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, being careful to avoid browning. Stir in cream, milk, a hint of Italian seasoning, and generous parmesan, whisking until everything melds into a smooth, decadent sauce.
Tip: Use a kitchen scale (Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale) to accurately measure your cheese and pasta, ensuring consistent results.
Pasta and Assembly
Cook your favorite short-cut pasta until just al dente. Add the pasta directly into the sauce, allowing it to finish cooking while absorbing all that garlicky, cheesy flavor. Pour everything into your prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle with extra parmesan and a handful of mozzarella for a lightly browned crust.
If you want to prepare portions for lunch or on-the-go, the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl is perfect for keeping your pasta bake fresh and easily transportable.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Bake uncovered until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown—about 25–30 minutes. Let it cool briefly for clean slices and an ultra-creamy texture in each bite.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and herbal brightness, and serve alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields six hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 480–520 calories, depending on the exact dairy and cheese used. It’s rich and comforting, perfect for those nights when you’re craving a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake (Recap)
This show-stopping casserole features a luxurious, creamy garlic-parmesan sauce enveloping tender pasta, all topped with a perfectly golden cheese crust. Its harmonious blend of garlic, cheese, and silky sauce make it a time-tested favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (use the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper for quick chopping) and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Add parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and mozzarella.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
