Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the aroma of a delicious pasta bake wafting through the air. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish to share with your loved ones, look no further than this Bechamel Sauce Pasta Bake. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe combines the richness of bechamel sauce with the heartiness of perfectly cooked pasta. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
**Bechamel Sauce Pasta Bake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound of penne or any pasta of your choice
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. In another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Once the butter has melted, add the flour to make a roux. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
5. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bechamel sauce. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
7. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and well combined.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
9. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta bake.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
12. Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This Bechamel Sauce Pasta Bake is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of the rich bechamel sauce and gooey cheese, paired with perfectly cooked pasta, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. So, next time you’re craving some delicious comfort food, give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and comforting meal that will bring everyone together around the table.
