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Savory Cheesy Creamy Pasta Bake Without Ricotta

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A quick and easy 5-ingredient pasta bake that delivers rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort without using ricotta. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups (about 200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole or 2% milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (usually about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese with 1 cup (240 ml) milk and 1 tsp garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Add salt and pepper to taste (about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper is a good start).
  4. Toss the drained pasta with 1½ cups (150 g) of shredded sharp cheddar in a large bowl. Pour the cream cheese sauce over and stir gently to coat every piece evenly.
  5. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (50 g) cheddar evenly on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick before baking, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk to loosen it. If too thin, add extra cheese or a sprinkle of flour to firm it up. Let the bake rest after baking to thicken the sauce and make serving easier. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt and flavor. Do not overcook pasta before baking; it should be just shy of al dente.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, cheesy pasta, creamy pasta, no ricotta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick pasta bake

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/savory-cheesy-creamy-pasta-bake-without-ricotta-easy-5-ingredient-recipe/