🧄🧀 Baked Garlic Parmesan Noodles
Creamy, cheesy, and full of roasted garlic flavor—this baked noodle dish is like a cross between mac and cheese and creamy Alfredo, but simpler and baked into a golden, comforting casserole.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or egg noodles)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use more milk for lighter version)
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make garlic sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).
Add milk and cream, stirring gently. Bring to a light simmer.
3. Add cheese
Stir in Parmesan (and mozzarella if using) until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Combine
Add cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until fully coated.
5. Assemble and top
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Optional: mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top, then add extra Parmesan.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until:
- Top is golden
- Sauce is bubbling
- Cheese is melted and slightly crusty
7. Rest and serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
🍽️ Serving ideas:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread (for double garlic lovers)
🔥 Flavor profile:
- 🧄 Rich roasted garlic
- 🧀 Savory Parmesan creaminess
- 🍝 Soft, baked pasta texture
- 🧈 Buttery, comforting finish
🔄 Variations:
- 🍗 Add chicken for a full meal
- 🥦 Broccoli garlic Parmesan bake
- 🌶️ Spicy version with chili flakes
- 🧀 Extra cheesy mac-style bake
- 🍄 Mushroom garlic Parmesan noodles
💡 Tips:
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking (it will soften more in the oven)
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded
- Let it rest before serving for best creamy texture
If you want, I can also make you a one-pot stovetop version, air fryer garlic Parmesan pasta cups, or a crispy baked topping upgrade version.