Cheesy baked pasta is the ultimate family-favorite dinner, a comforting classic made unforgettable with a rich blend of three cheeses, fragrant fresh basil, and savory prosciutto. When hungry appetites and selective palates converge, this Cheesy Baked Pasta recipe rises to the occasion, satisfying everyone at the dinner table with its irresistible appeal.
**Homemade pasta recipes** are synonymous with warmth and hearty satisfaction. Few can resist a luscious, creamy, and undeniably cheesy pasta dish, especially when it features delightful morsels of salty prosciutto. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy and comfort to any gathering.
The Irresistible Allure of Cheesy Baked Pasta
There’s something uniquely comforting about a baked pasta dish. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a culinary embrace that warms you from the inside out. Our Cheesy Baked Pasta transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that make it a standout on any menu. This particular recipe was born during a cozy winter break, inspired by the desire to bring our family of five together over a truly special meal. Taking inspiration from renowned chef Sara Moulton’s ingenious approach to pasta, we added our signature twist, elevating a simple concept into this magnificent Cheesy Baked Prosciutto Pasta.
While Sara’s original recipe cleverly suggested soaking dried penne before baking, we opted for the time-honored, old-fashioned method: boiling the pasta to a perfect al dente. This ensures each piece of penne has that ideal bite and texture before it’s lovingly coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. Once cooked, the pasta is tossed with a harmonious blend of ingredients – gooey, melted cheeses, aromatic basil, a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, savory minced garlic, and the star of the show, salty prosciutto. Everything then comes together in a single casserole dish, baking until golden and bubbling. The result is a truly splendid mac and cheese experience, rich in flavor and utterly satisfying.
This dish is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, when combined with a touch of culinary creativity, can transform into an extraordinary meal. The marriage of creamy textures, sharp and mild cheeses, and the salty kick of prosciutto creates a dynamic flavor profile that appeals to all ages. It’s not just food; it’s comfort, memories, and togetherness served in one delicious helping.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Pasta Bake
When a dish elicits an immediate and enthusiastic response, you know you’ve hit culinary gold. Our son, Nick, whose favorite phrase is often “I’m always hungry,” truly outdid himself, loading his plate with an impressive portion of this pasta. His genuine enjoyment was a clear sign that this recipe deserved a permanent spot in our collection of best pasta recipes. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in knowing you’ve created something so delicious, it sparks such joy. Thankfully, there was still enough left for the rest of the family to savor!
Even with careful consideration for everyone’s preferences, a dish sometimes needs a small tweak. My initial enthusiasm for garlic was slightly reined in after my husband, Bill, offered his feedback. So, for those with a more delicate palate, the garlic has been adjusted to achieve a perfect balance, ensuring it enhances, rather than overwhelms, the other flavors. With a generous cup of heavy cream and an abundance of rich cheeses, this **easy pasta recipe** unequivocally qualifies as the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you crave when the chill of winter sets in – be it an arctic plunge, a polar vortex, or a deep freeze. More simply, it’s the ideal choice for any evening when you desire a hearty, soul-warming, stick-to-your-bones dinner that truly nourishes both body and spirit.
Beyond its incredible taste, this Cheesy Baked Pasta offers a fantastic solution for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Its make-ahead potential and ability to feed a crowd make it a practical and cherished recipe. The simple steps belie the complex, deep flavors that develop as it bakes, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a dish that brings everyone together around the table, sharing smiles and satisfied sighs.
The Magic of Multi-Cheese Blends
What makes this Cheesy Baked Pasta truly exceptional is the thoughtful combination of three distinct cheeses: Fontina, Mozzarella, and Parmesan. Each plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate cheesy experience. Fontina, with its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, contributes to the gooey, stretchable texture that defines a perfect baked pasta. Mozzarella amplifies this with its classic melt-factor, providing that satisfying pull and creamy consistency. Finally, grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, umami depth that layers complexity into the sauce, preventing it from being one-dimensional. This trio ensures a rich, harmonious, and utterly irresistible cheesy base.
Prosciutto: The Savory Secret Weapon
The addition of prosciutto elevates this dish from simple comfort food to something truly special. This thinly sliced, dry-cured ham brings an intense savory flavor and a delicate saltiness that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and cream. As it bakes, the prosciutto crisps slightly, releasing its delectable essence into the pasta and providing a delightful textural contrast. It’s a sophisticated touch that makes every bite burst with flavor.
Fresh Basil and Other Aromatic Enhancements
While cheese and prosciutto form the backbone, the fresh basil provides a crucial aromatic lift, cutting through the richness with its vibrant, peppery notes. Dried basil is incorporated into the sauce, infusing every strand of pasta with its sweet, herbaceous essence. Minced garlic adds a foundational layer of pungent warmth, while a hint of crushed red pepper flakes introduces a subtle, enjoyable kick, awakening the palate without overwhelming it. These carefully selected aromatics and spices transform the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream into a deeply flavorful, balanced sauce that truly sings.
Choosing Your Pasta Shape for Baked Perfection
Penne, with its tubular shape and ridged surface, is an ideal choice for this baked pasta. Its design allows it to perfectly capture and hold the rich sauce, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor. Other excellent choices for baked pasta include rigatoni, ziti, or even large macaroni, all of which offer a similar ability to absorb and cradle the delicious cheesy sauce. The key is to cook the pasta al dente before baking, as it will continue to soften and absorb liquids in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Customizing Your Cheesy Baked Pasta
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to personalize a recipe, and this Cheesy Baked Pasta is wonderfully versatile. While spectacular as is, feel free to add your own spin. For a boost of nutrition and color, consider folding in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. If you desire more protein, cooked shredded chicken, browned Italian sausage, or lean ground beef would be excellent additions, making the dish even heartier. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, or experiment with other herbs like oregano or fresh parsley. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta can be easily substituted without compromising flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
This hearty Cheesy Baked Pasta stands beautifully on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a fresh, crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy notes of the salad provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the pasta. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is also a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it alongside a simple roasted vegetable dish like asparagus or broccoli.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this Cheesy Baked Pasta are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for larger quantities, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until bubbly and hot. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore some of the moisture and creaminess.
Helpful Tools for Your Pasta Bake Adventures:
- A sturdy 9×13-inch Casserole Dish is essential for baking this generous meal.
- A high-quality 5-quart Colander ensures efficient draining of your cooked pasta.
- A large mixing bowl is indispensable for tossing all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- A reliable saucepan for boiling your pasta to perfection.
- A good quality spatula for gentle mixing and leveling in the casserole dish.
More Family Favorite Pasta Recipes:
The **best pasta recipes** are the ones that earn a cherished spot on our dinner menu, making repeat appearances due to their popularity and deliciousness. This Cheesy Baked Pasta, without a doubt, was a resounding winner!
- Chicken Piccata Pasta
- Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Brown Butter Pasta with Bacon
- Baked Rigatoni with Mozzarella
- More Easy Pasta Recipes
Cheesy Baked Pasta
20 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes
6 servings
An easy baked pasta full of cheese, pasta, prosciutto and more!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne, cooked al dente in well salted water, and drained
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 14.5-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 scant teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 3 ounces Prosciutto, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large bowl, toss together all the ingredients. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Pour into prepared dish. With a spatula, gently press down on the pasta to level it out.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 437Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 872mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 20g
