Name: Creamy Pasta Bake Magic with Pantry Staples
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 500 g / 1lb pasta (any short or long except risoni/orzo); 1 tbsp salt (for water); 4 tbsp (60g) butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional, sub 1 tsp powder); 5 tbsp flour (any, GF option Note 2); 5 cups (1.25 litres) milk (any fat, any type); 2 tsp stock / bouillon cube or powder (chicken or veg); 3/4 cup (75g) parmesan; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp EACH thyme and parsley (or any other dried herbs)

The ultimate adaptable pasta bake recipe is here to revolutionize your weeknight dinners. This “formula” teaches you how to create a creamy, dreamy pasta bake using whatever you have on hand, from pantry staples to leftover vegetables and proteins. Forget rigid ingredient lists; this pasta bake is designed for maximum flexibility and minimum stress. This versatile pasta bake is perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious, satisfying meal without a fuss. Learn the simple steps to build a creamy sauce and combine it with your favorite pasta and mix-ins for a truly custom dish every time.

⏱ Time: 20 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Creamy Pasta Bake Magic with Pantry Staples

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Cook Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings: 6

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

500 g / 1lb pasta (any short or long except risoni/orzo)
1 tbsp salt (for water)
4 tbsp (60g) butter
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional, sub 1 tsp powder)
5 tbsp flour (any, GF option Note 2)
5 cups (1.25 litres) milk (any fat, any type)
2 tsp stock / bouillon cube or powder (chicken or veg)
3/4 cup (75g) parmesan
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp EACH thyme and parsley (or any other dried herbs)

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
Boil water with 1 tbsp salt. Add pasta, cook per packet directions MINUS 2 minutes until al dente. Drain.
Melt half the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in garlic for 10 seconds. Add raw meat and vegetables, cook until fully browned.
Add remaining butter and melt. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in stock powder, parmesan, black pepper, and dried herbs. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Pour sauce over cooked pasta, mix well. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with extra parmesan if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

– Use any pasta shape you like, but avoid very small ones like orzo or risoni.
– For a gluten-free version, use your favorite GF flour blend and GF pasta.
– Feel free to add cooked chicken, sausage, bacon, or any leftover roasted vegetables for extra flavor and substance.
– Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

Use any pasta shape you like, but avoid very small ones like orzo or risoni.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite GF flour blend and GF pasta.
Feel free to add cooked chicken, sausage, bacon, or any leftover roasted vegetables for extra flavor and substance.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Experiment with this formula and discover your favorite pasta bake combination. Enjoy this endlessly customizable and comforting dish!

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