Classic Creamy Pasta Bake Recipe
This Classic Creamy Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender pasta, rich cream sauce, savory ground meat, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it offers layers of creamy texture and satisfying flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300 grams dried pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ground Meat
- 400 grams ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper as needed
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dried pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the ground meat mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the cream sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook gently until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and meat: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, cream sauce, and ground meat mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake until golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving, letting the creamy layers set for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this gluten-free.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Creamy pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta casserole, ground meat pasta bake, comfort food
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/classic-creamy-pasta-bake-recipe/
