Sure! Here’s a delicious, cozy article-style recipe for The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta:

The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta

Comfort food at its finest – cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying

When it comes to comforting weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing potluck dishes, it’s hard to beat a bubbling dish of baked pasta. But not just any baked pasta — we’re talking about The Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Pasta. Rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, melty layers of cheese, and a golden, bubbly top that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to leftovers that just get better by the day, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, dreamy masterpiece.

🍝 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

1 pound (16 oz) penne pasta
Salt, for the pasta water

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)

Optional Add-ins:

1/2 cup cooked bacon or pancetta, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 1/2 cups sautéed spinach or roasted veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, etc.)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
Drain and set aside — don’t overcook; it’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

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