Decadent Baked Four-Cheese Pasta Delight

Ingredients

- 12 oz Pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese (mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for added crunch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, as described on the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring it remains smooth and lump-free.
- Slowly add the shredded cheese mixture, stirring constantly until it melts completely into a creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with black pepper, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.

4. Prepare for Baking:
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs generously over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.

5. Oven Roasting:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- For an extra crispy top, switch on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy pasta bite with an irresistible crunchy topping.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT25M
25 minutes

Total Time

- PT40M
40 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Gourmet pasta
- Oven-roasted cheese pasta
- Creamy baked pasta
- Cheesy dinner recipe
- Nutmeg pasta bake
- Cayenne pepper pasta
- Crunchy breadcrumb topping
- Baked pasta dish
- Comfort food recipe
- Easy dinner ideas

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total Calories: 1840

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