Creamy Pasta Bake Magic with Pantry Staples
Whip up a magical pasta bake using pantry staples like butter and milk for a creamy, comforting meal.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.