30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake: Quick Comfort with a Crispy Twist

Quick & Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

Introduction

If you’re in need of a comforting dinner that’s both speedy and flavor-packed, this Quick & Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake checks every box. It offers an irresistible medley of creamy, cheesy goodness, punctuated with a gentle garlic aroma and crowned with a crispy golden top. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting impromptu guests, this pasta bake promises a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake

The appeal of this pasta bake lies in its stunning simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and about 30 minutes are all you need. The velvety Parmesan sauce soaks into every noodle, melding perfectly with fragrant garlic and a hint of herbs. Oven baking turns the top irresistibly crisp, creating a textural contrast that elevates every bite.

Easy Steps for the Creamiest Parmesan Sauce

The heart of this dish is its lush sauce. Using a nonstick skillet ensures even heating and an ultra-silky finish. Melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour followed by milk and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. For best results, use a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch to avoid sticking and guarantee a smooth, lump-free sauce.

To make prep even speedier (especially when dicing onions or prepping vegetables), a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper cuts chopping time in half, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking and a professional finish.

Baking and Assembly Tips for Perfect Texture

Use a baking dish lined with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for fuss-free cleanup and to ensure your cheese topping always peels off perfectly golden and crisp—not burnt.

Once assembled, top with extra cheese and broil for the final 2–3 minutes for maximum crunch. For precise boiling of your pasta, a Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display comes in handy so you can measure ingredients for consistently great results.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Pair this bake with a simple green salad for a balanced dinner, and portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to enjoy for lunch the next day. The flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers almost better than the original!

This pasta bake also reheats beautifully, maintaining its creaminess and flavor, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Nutritional Info & Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty servings. Each portion contains around 420 calories, with rich protein from cheese and milk, classic carbs from the pasta, and genuine flavor from real Parmesan and fresh garlic.

Recap: Why Quick & Delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Works

Hearty, creamy, and finished with a satisfyingly crispy top, this pasta bake brings together speed, flavor, and nostalgia. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve at gatherings, making it a timeless kitchen staple you’ll want in your rotation.

Ingredients

– 12 oz penne or ziti pasta
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups whole milk
– 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
– Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes). Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform dicing.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 1 minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk, eliminating any lumps. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Add drained pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish lined with the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for no-stick baking.
  6. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and optional mozzarella over the top. Spray lightly with a little olive oil (a TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer helps control the amount used for crisping).
  7. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for an extra-crispy top.
  8. Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Cook & Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy this quick, crowd-pleasing Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake any night you crave comforting, cheesy, garlicky goodness!

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