Pasta al Forno con Formaggio (Cheesy Baked Pasta)
Dive into the comforting goodness of cheesy baked pasta tonight! It's a melt-in-your-mouth dish that's sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Slowly add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Add in 1 ½ cups of cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure all pasta is coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheesy baked pasta!
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- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.
- Incorporate different types of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses.
- If you're short on time, use pre-cooked pasta.
- Cover the dish with foil during baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover it for the final 5 minutes for a crispy top.
- fat: 20 grams
- protein: 15 grams
- calories: 400
- carbohydrates: 50 grams
This dish is rich in carbohydrates for energy, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. However, it's also high in fat, so moderation is key if watching calorie intake.
