Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the ingredient list:

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 pound of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best)
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein
• Sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for some greens
• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Got everything? Great! Let’s move on to the prep work.

How to Roast Garlic Like a Pro

Have you ever roasted garlic? If not, you’re in for a treat. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent, raw flavor into something sweet, mellow, and almost buttery. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep the Garlic: Take a whole bulb of garlic, slice off the top to expose the cloves, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt for good measure.
2. Wrap and Roast: Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
3. Cool and Squeeze: Once roasted, let it cool slightly before squeezing the soft, caramelized cloves out of their skins.

The roasted garlic is now ready to be the star of your pasta bake.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

No one likes mushy pasta, right? Here’s how to cook it just right:

1. Boil with Salted Water: Use a large pot of salted water. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
2. Cook Until Al Dente: Follow the package instructions, but aim for al dente since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Drain and Reserve Water: Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Now that the pasta is ready, let’s work on the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Making the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This sauce is what takes the dish to the next level. It’s creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-cheesy. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Roasted Garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and mash the roasted garlic cloves until they form a paste.
2. Add the Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
4. Season It: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

With the sauce ready, it’s time to assemble this masterpiece.

Assembling the Pasta Bake

This is where everything comes together. Follow these steps:

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the roasted garlic Parmesan sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss until every piece is coated.
2. Layer It: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
3. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top.

And now, the magic happens in the oven.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden. For an extra crispy top, switch to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes.