Creamy Garlic Pasta Bake with Fresh Herbs

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Garlic Pasta Bake is your answer. With layers of pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and topped with fresh herbs, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare and downright delicious, this pasta bake will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic pasta bake is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly satisfying. The combination of garlic and cream creates a luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, while fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor.

• Comforting: Hearty and satisfying for any night of the week.
• Flavorful: Rich garlic notes combined with creamy goodness.
• Flexible: Easily adaptable with your favorite ingredients.
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance and baking later.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley and basil, reserving a bit for garnish.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of reserved herbs.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
• Letting the dish rest after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Easy Variations

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Swap out the herbs for your favorites, such as thyme or oregano.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or fontina, for a unique twist.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Roasted vegetables for a balanced meal

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe Card