Three-Cheese Baked Pasta

30 min

2 servings

This Three-Cheese Baked Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that's incredibly easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty gouda (or emmental) creates a rich, savory flavor with a hint of tanginess, complemented by the sweet, umami-packed sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of spice from optional red pepper flakes. It's a crowd-pleaser that's simple enough for weeknight dinners and can be prepped in advance for convenience.

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• Pasta: 200 g (7 oz) short pasta (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• Cheddar cheese: 70g (2.5 oz or ¾ cup grated), shredded
• Mozzarella cheese: 70g (2.5 oz or ¾ cup grated), shredded
• Gouda or Emmental cheese: 50g (1.8 oz or ½ cup grated), shredded
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Onion: ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: 5 pieces, drained and chopped
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste
• Red pepper flakes: optional, to taste (skip for kids if they prefer milder flavors)
• Heavy cream: 250 ml (1 cup or 8.5 fl oz)

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions (usually 1-2 minutes less than fully cooked). Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.

Season and Add Cream: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes (use sparingly or omit for kids). Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until the first bubbles appear, about 1-2 minutes.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Assemble for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (or keep it in the skillet if it's oven-safe). Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda (or emmental) over the top.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serve: Let the pasta cool for a couple of minutes, then serve hot. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Chef's Note

Enjoy!