Description
A flexible and comforting creamy pasta bake built on a luscious white sauce, perfect for using up a variety of proteins and vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 500g pasta (any long or short pasta except risoni/orzo)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 5 tbsp flour (any type)
- 5 cups (1.25 litres) milk (any fat, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tsp stock or bouillon powder (chicken or vegetable)
- 3/4 cup (75g) parmesan
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp each dried thyme and dried parsley (optional)
- OR 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder (optional)
- Cooked chicken, canned tuna or salmon, vegetables (up to 8 cups total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking raw add-ins)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (any melting cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
- If using raw meat or vegetables, heat half the butter with olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Sauté garlic for 10 seconds. Add raw ingredients, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until done. Stir in remaining butter and flour.
- If using only no-cook add-ins, begin here. Melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 10 seconds, then stir in flour.
- Gradually pour in about one-third of the milk while stirring continuously. Once smooth, add remaining milk. Add stock powder, parmesan, pepper, and optional seasonings. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and no-cook add-ins (like canned tuna, cooked chicken, or thawed vegetables). Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve hot.
Notes
- Undercook pasta by 2 minutes to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
- Use dairy-free milk and cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Great for using up leftover proteins and vegetables.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
