One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta
Prepare to indulge in the irresistible flavors of this One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta! This delightfully creamy and comforting dish is a true crowd-pleaser, with its melty cheese, fragrant basil, and perfectly al dente pasta. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling utterly satisfied.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is a game-changer in the world of pasta dishes. The combination of gooey, melted cheese and the fresh, aromatic basil creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. The best part? It’s all baked in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. Imagine the convenience of a one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle. With its creamy texture, crunchy topping, and vibrant colors, this recipe is a true culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
🍽️ What You Need to Prepare One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta ❓
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy heavy cream, melty mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made baked pasta dishes perennially popular.
👨🍳 How to Make One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Step 3: In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the cooked penne, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Step 4: Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
Compared to traditional baked ziti or lasagna which can take up to an hour to prepare, this One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta saves you 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 831mg
These One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta provide approximately 50% of your daily calcium requirements and 30% of your daily protein needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of the dairy products.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate diced tomatoes, spinach, or roasted vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the pasta with a light, crisp white wine or a full-bodied red for a classic Italian-inspired pairing.
• Complement the dish with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a veggie-packed meal.
• For a casual gathering, serve the One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta as the centerpiece of a pasta bar, offering additional toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the cheese: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses – they’re what make this dish so irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
• Forgetting to season: The salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors, so don’t forget to season the dish to your taste.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pasta as it bakes, as the cheese can quickly go from perfectly melted to burnt if left in the oven for too long.
• Not letting it rest: Allow the One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will give the cheese a chance to set and create a beautiful, gooey texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the pasta according to the recipe, but don’t bake it. Instead, transfer it to a baking dish, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat individual servings, simply place the pasta in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed in the recipe.
Can I substitute the pasta with a different type?
Yes, you can use any short, tubular pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may have slightly different al dente cooking times.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free. However, you can easily adapt it to suit those dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta, and for a dairy-free version, replace the cheese and cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as non-dairy cheese and unsweetened almond or oat milk.
What can I do if the cheese becomes too thick or clumpy?
If the cheese sauce becomes too thick or clumpy during baking, you can thin it out by adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring gently until the desired consistency is reached. This will help restore the creamy texture.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Consider adding diced tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or a show-stopping dish for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and fragrant basil notes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these baked pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pan and get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of this One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta!
