Go Back
+ servings
Penne pasta casserole on the table with tomatoes and basil on top.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Three-Cheese Italian Pasta Bake

This three-cheese Italian pasta bake is so easy to throw together, made with a creamy cheese sauce and tangy tomatoes it's a sure crowd pleaser!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 407kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoon butter divided
  • 3 tablespoon flour
  • 2 Cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • ½ teaspoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • ¼ cup fresh parmesan grated
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes canned
  • ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • cherry tomatoes and fresh basil optional as garnish

Instructions

  • Begin by cooking your pasta according to package directions.  You want to cook the penne to al-dente, leaving a bit of bite to your pasta. Because we are baking this dish, you don't want it to get mushy in the oven.
  • In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoon butter.
  • Add in minced garlic and whisk for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in flour and whisk 1-2 minutes until flour mixture has a nutty aroma.
  • Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk.  Bring to a boil, while constantly whisking, and whisk until thickened.
  • Stir in seasonings (oregano, basil, parsley, salt and pepper). Remove from heat.
  • Stir in grated cheddar, grated mozzarella, and grated parmesan.  Stir until cheeses are melted, set aside.
  • Prepare a 9x13 baking pan by spraying with non-stick spray.  Add drained pasta to the baking pan.
  • Top pasta with canned diced tomatoes (liquid included).
  • Pour cream cheese sauce on top.
  • Gently toss to combine.
  • Top with bread crumbs and small tabs of remaining butter.  If you have leftover shredded cheese, you can add this below the breadcrumb layer.
  • Cover dish with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Turn over to broil, and remove foil. Cook for an additional 1-3 minutes to brown the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don't skimp on the cheese. Using a blend of three cheeses adds flavor and lots of creaminess to this Italian-baked pasta.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente or undercook it. Leave it with a little bite so that it doesn't overcook in the oven and turn into mush.
  • Top with fresh tomatoes and basil for color and flavor.
  • Stir the cheese in after removing the skillet from the heat. It will melt better and produce a creamier sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 2oz | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 562mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 2mg