Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Dish

Creamy cheddar elbow pasta bake promises pure comfort on a plate, beckoning with irresistible cheesy goodness.

Warm, inviting aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal ahead.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish combines classic ingredients in a soul-warming combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich, golden cheese melts into tender pasta, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Imagine sitting down to a steaming dish of pure indulgence, where each forkful delivers maximum flavor and creamy satisfaction.

Simple techniques merge with classic ingredients to craft a memorable meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Trust You can fall in love with this straightforward yet delectable recipe that reimagines ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dig in and savor every single delectable bite.

Pasta Bake FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like shells or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• How can I make this dish less rich?

Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter. You can also use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.

• Can I prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake for an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?

If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more milk. If it’s too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to keep whisking to prevent burning.

Creamy Cheddar Pasta Bake Everyone Will Love

• A warm, gooey mac and cheese that hugs your taste buds with rich, sharp cheddar flavor and a golden crispy top.
• Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pan dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families.
• Combines creamy, velvety cheese sauce with crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating an irresistible contrast that makes every bite exciting.
• Universally loved recipe that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, ideal for easy scooping and uniform texture.
• Salted Water: Essential for boiling pasta with enhanced flavor and proper seasoning.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor and smooth melting quality, best when freshly grated.
• Whole Milk: Creates rich, silky sauce base with creamy consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth cheese sauce foundation.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes extra creaminess and helps bind sauce ingredients.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens cheese sauce and provides smooth texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances overall dish flavor with balanced seasoning.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds crispy, golden topping with delightful crunchy texture.
• Dried Parsley: Provides subtle herb note and attractive green flecks on top.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs achieve golden brown color and crisp texture.

Instructions for Creamy Baked Macaroni

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 325°F. Let it warm up while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Pasta Dance

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Toss in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly tender but still has a little bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper
• Whole milk

Melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour. Let it bubble and cook for a few minutes. This creates a silky base for your sauce. Slowly pour in milk, whisking like a pro to keep everything smooth. Season with garlic salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Merge Pasta and Cheese Wonderland

• Shredded cheddar cheese

Pour the velvety cheese sauce over the pasta. Give everything a gentle stir so the cheese and sauce become best friends.

Step 5: Create a Crunchy Crown

In a small skillet, melt some butter. Toss in panko breadcrumbs and toast them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Watch them carefully – they can burn quickly!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Let it bake for 14-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and sporting a beautiful golden-brown tan.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy magic you’ve created!

Smart Tips for a Cheese Sauce That Shines

• Choose Sharp Cheddar: Select an extra sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust, intense flavor that elevates the entire pasta bake.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Slightly undercook the elbow pasta by 1-2 minutes to ensure it doesn't become mushy during the final baking process.
• Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk the cheese sauce continuously and slowly add cheese to prevent clumping and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
• Layer for Maximum Flavor: Gently fold the pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated for consistent taste in every bite.
• Crisp Breadcrumb Topping: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before sprinkling on top to guarantee a golden, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture contrast.

How to Reheat and Store Pasta Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.

Great Pairings for Cheddar Pasta Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the creamy cheddar pasta, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Zesty Side Salad: A light green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the heavy, cheesy pasta dish, adding a fresh and bright element to the meal while providing textural variety.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Herb-roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus complement the pasta's creaminess, introducing a savory and slightly charred flavor profile that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Accompany with Crisp Amber Ale: A malty, slightly hoppy craft beer cuts through the cheese's richness and matches the golden breadcrumb topping, creating a harmonious flavor interaction that elevates the entire dish.

Flavor Variations for This Baked Pasta Dish

• Spicy Southwest Cheddar Mac: Kick up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a blend of pepper jack with cheddar cheese. Sprinkle some smoky paprika and cumin into the cheese sauce for extra southwestern flair.
• Bacon Lovers' Cheesy Pasta: Crisp up some bacon pieces and mix them into the pasta before baking. Top the dish with additional crumbled bacon for a rich, savory crunch that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
• Herb Garden Mac and Cheese: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the cheese sauce. Replace panko breadcrumbs with a mixture of herbed breadcrumbs and grated parmesan for a more aromatic and sophisticated flavor profile.
• Veggie Loaded Cheddar Bake: Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach to add nutrition and color. Use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar to balance the vegetable flavors and create a more complex cheese sauce.

Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent “Creamy Cheddar Elbow Pasta Bake” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising rich cheese-laden goodness. Layers of melted cheddar and tender pasta invite warm memories while satisfying hearty cravings you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 16-ounce package elbow macaroni
• 4 cups milk

Seasoning and Thickeners:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• Pepper, to taste

Topping:

• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a precise 325°F, creating the ideal environment for a perfectly baked pasta dish.
2. Submerge elbow macaroni in rapidly boiling water, cooking until it reaches a tender al dente consistency, then drain thoroughly.
3. Craft a velvety cheese foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan. Introduce flour and whisk diligently, transforming the mixture into a golden roux. Season with garlic salt and pepper, infusing depth of flavor. Slowly stream milk while continuously stirring, preventing any potential lumps from forming.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious texture that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat once the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Transfer the cooked pasta into a generously greased baking dish, creating a welcoming base for the cheesy transformation. Lavishly scatter shredded cheddar across the pasta, then cascade the silky cheese sauce over the top. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring every pasta piece becomes gloriously coated.
6. Create a crisp, golden topping by melting butter in a skillet. Introduce panko breadcrumbs, stirring continuously until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown crust that promises delightful crunch.
7. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs across the mac and cheese, adding a textural contrast to the creamy base. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the surface bubbles with excitement and develops a tempting golden hue.

Notes

• Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to maximize the rich, tangy flavor profile of this comforting pasta dish.
• Allow the pasta to cook just under al dente, as it will continue cooking during the baking process to prevent mushy texture.
• Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch and texture contrast.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, helping create a creamier and more consistent cheese sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce overall calories.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg