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
Units
Scale
- 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