Creamy Three Cheese Pasta Bake 🧀🍝

This indulgent pasta bake combines three rich cheeses, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, resulting in a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is a warm hug on a plate. Serve it with a crisp salad and some garlic bread for a delightful meal! 🌿🍞

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt for pasta water

For the cheese sauce

• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cheese blend

• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

For the topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

4. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

🥄 Make sure to keep stirring to prevent the flour from browning too much. This will ensure a smooth sauce!

5. Gradually whisk in the milk, breaking up any lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.

7. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, and feta cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.

8. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.

9. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. If using, add breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

🧊 If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

12. Once finished, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations

• Vegetable-packed: Stir in cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to add some color and nutrition.
• Meat lovers: Add cooked ground sausage, chicken, or bacon to the pasta mix for a protein-packed variation.
• Gluten-free: Swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free varieties.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheeses and milk substitutes for a creamy vegan option.

Enjoy this mouthwatering Three Cheese Pasta Bake—it's bound to become a family favorite! 😍🍽️