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**The Best Creamy Baked Penne Pasta: A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion**
With layers of melted cheese, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this baked penne pasta recipe is as indulgent as it is easy to make. The best part? It comes together in less than an hour, making it a great choice for a delicious homemade meal that feels special without being too complicated.
### Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe
2. **Perfectly Cheesy:** With a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar, this dish is loaded with cheesy goodness. The cheese melts beautifully during baking, forming a golden, bubbly crust on top.
3. **Comfort Food at Its Best:** Baked pasta dishes are the ultimate comfort food, and this creamy penne recipe is no exception. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for satisfying those pasta cravings.
5. **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This creamy baked penne pasta can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then baked when you’re ready to serve. It’s the perfect option for meal prepping or making dinner in advance.
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
#### **For the Creamy Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
**For the Topping:**
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
– Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)