Baked Alfredo Pasta with Mozzarella & Parmesan Crust is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the gooey, melted goodness of mozzarella and the sharp tang of Parmesan cheese. This dish is a showstopper at any family dinner, holiday gathering, or weeknight meal. The pasta is tossed in a homemade Alfredo sauce, layered with mozzarella, and topped with Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s simple yet decadent, perfect for those who love cheesy, creamy pasta with a satisfying crispy crust.

Let’s dive into the full recipe so you can make this delicious, comforting pasta dish at home!

Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta and Topping:

• 1 lb (450 g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or ziti work best)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the crust)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

• Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the mixture is well combined. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Gradually whisk in the 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Alfredo Sauce

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly. Ensure that the sauce is distributed throughout the pasta for maximum creaminess in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the pasta and Alfredo sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta, ensuring that every corner is covered.
• Top the mozzarella layer with the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a crunchy texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top of the Parmesan cheese layer. This will give the baked pasta a delightful crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• If you want an extra-crispy, golden crust, switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 6: Serve

• Once the pasta is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is gooey.

COOKING Note:

• Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts better than pre-packaged options. Fresh cheese enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
• If you want to add protein, feel free to include grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon. Simply layer the protein over the pasta before adding the mozzarella cheese topping.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this indulgent Baked Alfredo Pasta with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete, comforting meal.
• This dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and nutrition.

Tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, it’s essential to cook it until just al dente. This prevents the final dish from becoming too soft.
2. Make It Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble the pasta, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
3. Use a Mix of Cheeses: For added flavor, mix in other cheeses such as Gouda, Fontina, or sharp cheddar along with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex cheesy flavor.
4. Add Vegetables: Sneak in extra nutrients by incorporating sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers into the pasta before baking.
5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 780mg

Conclusion:

Baked Alfredo Pasta with Mozzarella & Parmesan Crust is a dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare and offers a delightful mix of textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for your loved ones, or simply indulging in comfort food, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of rich Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection is truly irresistible. Add this recipe to your collection and enjoy a little slice of Italian-inspired heaven!

Baked Alfredo Pasta with Mozzarella & Parmesan Crust

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta and Topping:

• 1 lb (450 g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or ziti work best)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the crust)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

• Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the mixture is well combined. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Gradually whisk in the 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Alfredo Sauce

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly. Ensure that the sauce is distributed throughout the pasta for maximum creaminess in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the pasta and Alfredo sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta, ensuring that every corner is covered.
• Top the mozzarella layer with the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a crunchy texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top of the Parmesan cheese layer. This will give the baked pasta a delightful crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• If you want an extra-crispy, golden crust, switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 6: Serve

• Once the pasta is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Serve immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is gooey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Sodium: 780mg
• Protein: 20g