Easy Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe to feed the kids on busy weeknights? Look no further than this tasty cheesy pasta recipe made with pantry staples.

And the best part? The creamy cheese sauce is made using a shortcut - crème fraiche - making it easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Trust me, this cheese pasta recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Without a doubt, this cheesy pasta dish is the most frequently requested meal in our household (although my easy cheat's lasagne is a close runner-up).

With its gooey cheesy pasta and crispy, herb-infused breadcrumbs on top, it's no wonder that both kids and adults alike can't get enough of it (my son had 3 helpings the other day!). And as someone who loves it just as much, I can confidently say that it's the ultimate comfort food for any cheese lover out there.

Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice when time is of the essence.

👩‍🍳 Have you seen my baked feta pasta? A seasonal take on the famous viral TikTok recipe!

Jump to:

• ✔️ Why should you try it?
• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🔪 Instructions
• 🍴 Serving suggestions
• 📖 Variations
• 🥡 Storage
• ❓ FAQS
• 😋Related recipes
• Recipe
• 💬 Comments

✔️ Why should you try it?

• Quick and easy: With a total preparation and cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner that won't leave you slaving over the stove for hours.
• Comfort food at its finest: When you're craving a big bowl of comforting carbs and cheese, this pasta dish is exactly what you need.
• Hearty and filling: This dish is not only delicious, but it's also incredibly filling and hearty, thanks to the combination of pasta, cheese, and breadcrumbs. You'll be satisfied and full for hours after enjoying a serving (or two).
• Family-friendly: Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or a family of foodies, this cheesy pasta is a hit with all ages. Everyone loves a good bowl of cheesy pasta, and this recipe delivers on all counts.
• Easily customised: You can add your favourite veggies or cooked meats to the dish to make it even heartier and more filling. Some great options include mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon.

🥘 Ingredients

The ingredients for this easy pasta recipe;

Pasta - The recipe calls for 300g of macaroni, but you could use any short, hollow pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook it until it's al dente so it doesn't become too mushy in the cheese sauce.

Crème Fraiche - This ingredient is used to create the "cheat's" cheese sauce, which is a quicker and easier alternative to a traditional white sauce. It has a slightly tangy and creamy flavour that pairs well with the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Cheddar Cheese - Extra mature cheddar cheese is preferred in this recipe because it adds a strong, rich flavour to the dish. You could use a different type of cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall taste of the pasta.

Parmesan - This cheese is added to the sauce to give it an extra boost of cheesy flavour.

Dijon Mustard - A teaspoon of Dijon mustard is added to the cheese sauce to help enhance the flavour. It gives the sauce a subtle tang and adds a bit of depth to the dish.

Smoked Paprika - This spice is used to add a smoky undertone to the dish. It's not overpowering, but helps to complement the cheese sauce.

Reserved Pasta Water - This ingredient is a key component in making the cheese sauce silky smooth and glossy. By reserving some of the starchy pasta water, you can add it to the cheese sauce as needed to help emulsify the ingredients and create a cohesive sauce.

For the breadcrumb topping:

Breadcrumbs - Panko breadcrumbs are used in this recipe because they help create a crispy and crunchy topping. Regular breadcrumbs would work as well, but they might not give you the same texture.

Parmesan - Finely grated Parmesan is added to the breadcrumbs to give them an extra cheesy flavor.

Dried Italian Herbs - Herbs are optional, but they help add a subtle herbiness to the topping. If you don't have any on hand or don't like the flavour, you can leave them out without affecting the overall dish.

🔪 Instructions

The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

One: Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to instructions. Whilst the pasta is cooking place a heat-proof bowl on top of the pan (making sure it doesn't directly touch the water) and stir together the creme fraiche, cheeses, dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until they are all melted together. Take the bowl off the heat and place it to one side.

Two: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to stir into the cheese sauce and then drain the pasta. Pour the reserved pasta water into the cheese sauce a little at a time and whisk until you get a glossy smooth sauce. You might not need the whole cup of the reserved water. Once you have your desired consistency stir in the pasta.

Three: Spoon the cheesy pasta into an ovenproof dish and scatter over the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and dried Italian herbs.

Four: Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

🍴 Serving suggestions

This cheesy baked pasta is great on its own for a quick and easy weeknight supper. You could also turn it into a more substantial meal by serving it with air fryer chicken breasts, homemade garlic bread or focaccia, and a peppery rocket salad on the side.

Vegetables such as air fryer green beans, air fryer broccoli parmesan, and slow cooker corn on the cob are also great options.

📖 Variations

• Cheeses: While the recipe calls for extra mature cheddar and Parmesan, you can switch it up with different types of cheese. Try using crumbled blue cheese, nutty gruyere, or smoked cheddar instead.
• Meats: Stirring through some cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or air fryer salmon before baking the pasta in the oven will add more protein and texture to the dish. You could also try cooked ground beef, diced ham, or cooked sausage.
• Veggies: Adding some vegetables to the dish is a great way to increase its nutritional value. A tin of drained sweetcorn or a handful of fresh spinach can be stirred into the cheese sauce before baking.
• Spices: You can adjust the amount of smoked paprika or Dijon mustard to suit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes will give the dish a bit of heat.
• Pasta: While the recipe calls for macaroni, you can use any short, hollow pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Or, you could try using different types of pasta like whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier option.

🥡 Storage

Store - Leftover cheesy pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat - Either microwave it or reheat it in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freeze - Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy the pasta, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat it in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated, or in the microwave. Please note that the breadcrumb topping may lose its crispiness upon freezing and reheating.

❓ FAQS

😋Related recipes

Some more delicious pasta recipes to try;

• Easy Chorizo and Pepper Pasta
• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
• Leftover Gammon Pasta
• Bacon Mac and Cheese
• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Boursin Pasta
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Marmite Spaghetti
• Creamy Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta
• One Pan Chicken Penne Arrabbiata
• Chorizo Mac and Cheese

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