Cheesy Fondue Pasta Bake is a delightful European-inspired dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the indulgence of cheesy fondue, creating a culinary masterpiece that is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 25 g | Plain flour |
| 25 ml | Milk |
| 275 g | Mascarpone cheese |
| 100 g | Cheddar cheese |
| 50 g | Additional cheese |
| 50 g | Fresh parsley |
| 4 | Cooked pasta servings |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 394.6
- Fat: 22.8g
- Saturated Fat: 10.6g
- Cholesterol: 45.6mg
- Sodium: 280.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 11.7g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (Gas Mark 7). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake your pasta dish to perfection.
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Prepare Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, then cook for approximately 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly before incorporating them into the dish.
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Prepare Roux: In the same saucepan, melt butter until it’s sizzling. Gradually sprinkle in the plain flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. This will serve as the base for your creamy sauce.
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Create Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour hot milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. This creamy sauce will be the heart of your cheesy fondue pasta bake.
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Incorporate Ingredients: Stir in the cooked onions and garlic into the creamy sauce, infusing it with their delicious flavors. Then, transfer the sauce into a large mixing bowl.
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Add Cheeses and Pasta: To the bowl of creamy sauce, add the mascarpone cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and any additional cheese of your choice. Mix well until the cheeses are fully incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh parsley, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated in the luscious cheese sauce.
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Season to Perfection: Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the flavors to your liking. The seasoning is crucial to enhance the overall taste of your cheesy fondue pasta bake.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a ceramic baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little grated cheese on top of the mixture before baking.
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Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking tray (to catch any potential drips) and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the cheesy fondue pasta bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds.
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this irresistible dish, and savor every bite of its comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this Cheesy Fondue Pasta Bake is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
