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–+ servings
cheesy pasta with a breadcrumb topping.
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5 from 9 votes

Easy Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy cheesy pasta recipe! It's a hearty and filling dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Course Pasta
Cuisine British, Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 530kcal
Author Beth Sachs

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Equipment

Ingredients

Metric - US Customary
  • 300 g Macaroni
  • 300 g Creme Fraiche
  • 150 g Extra Mature Cheddar grated
  • 30 g Parmesan grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

For the topping

  • 5 tablespoon Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 20 g Parmesan finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 190°c (170 fan/ 375F/ Gas 5).
  • Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to instructions.
    300 g Macaroni
  • 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.
    300 g Creme Fraiche, 150 g Extra Mature Cheddar, 30 g Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to stir into the cheese sauce and then drain the pasta into a sieve. 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.
  • Spoon the cheesy pasta into an ovenproof dish and scatter over the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and dried Italian herbs.
    5 tablespoon Panko Breadcrumbs, 20 g Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs
  • Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Notes

Variations:
  • 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.
 
Nutrition:
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 544mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 720IU | Calcium: 457mg | Iron: 2mg
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