A rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked noodles smothered in a velvety white sauce made with three cheeses—mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. This indulgent comfort food is baked until golden and bubbling, then garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul and satisfies every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, elevating it with a silky white sauce and a sophisticated trio of cheeses. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly creamy without being overly heavy. The baked finish adds a crispy, golden top layer that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing side for a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz rigatoni or ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and all three cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup of mozzarella for the topping. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Additions: Mix in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top before baking for added crunch.
- Cheese Substitutions: Swap provolone for fontina, Gruyère, or white cheddar depending on preference or availability.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Oven: Place in a covered baking dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pasta and cheese sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
What kind of pasta works best?
Rigatoni or ziti are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but penne or elbow macaroni also work well.
Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?
Yes, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir constantly to create a smooth sauce. Avoid overheating the dairy.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but may contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. For best results, shred cheese from a block.
Can I use just one type of cheese?
Yes, but the flavor will be less complex. A blend of cheeses adds depth and richness.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the cheese, or increase the amount of flour in the roux slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Use low-fat milk, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and skip the heavy cream for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Baked Three-Cheese White Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it as a main dish or a decadent side, this recipe offers timeless appeal with every bite. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dependable favorite that brings warmth and indulgence to any meal.
Print
Baked Three-Cheese White Macaroni
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring tender noodles enveloped in a luscious three-cheese white sauce, topped with golden melted mozzarella and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — indulgent, gooey, and soul-satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni or ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and all three cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella for topping. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle reserved mozzarella on top and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture.
- Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead for busy weeknights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *