Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, packed with gooey melted cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for a crowd. It’s a guaranteed favorite that combines simplicity with indulgence.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Pasta Bake?
This pasta bake features al dente pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked until bubbling and golden on top. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or additional spices for extra flavor.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and Indulgent: Rich and cheesy, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, proteins, or different cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake
For the Pasta Bake
- Pasta (400g): Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): For a rich, sharp flavor.
- Mozzarella (150g, grated): Adds creaminess and stretch.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated): For an extra savory kick.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For making the roux.
- Plain Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce.
- Milk (500ml): The base for the béchamel sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional): Adds warmth to the sauce.
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked Chicken or Ham (1 cup, diced): For a protein boost.
- Spinach or Broccoli (1-2 cups, chopped): Adds freshness and nutrition.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For a crispy topping.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Saucepan for the béchamel sauce
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the béchamel sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to make a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and assemble
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. If adding vegetables or proteins, stir them in at this stage. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the topping and bake
Sprinkle extra grated cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy hot.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Green Salad: A fresh side balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds extra nutrition and flavor.
- Tomato Soup: A comforting pairing.
- Pickles or Olives: Cuts through the creaminess.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Undercook the Pasta Slightly: The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
- Layer the Cheese: Add some grated cheese between layers of pasta for extra gooeyness.
- Customize the Flavor: Add spices like paprika, chili flakes, or mustard for a kick.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake just until the top is golden to keep the pasta creamy.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Vegetarian Version: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Meat Lovers’ Twist: Include cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and butter substitutes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the béchamel sauce.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked pasta bake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I prepare the cheesy pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How can I make the pasta bake creamier?
To make the pasta bake creamier, add an extra splash of milk to the cheese sauce or stir in a dollop of cream before baking. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the dish.
Can I freeze cheesy pasta bake?
Yes, cheesy pasta bake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
What is the best type of pasta to use for a pasta bake?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or macaroni works best for pasta bakes as they hold the sauce well and bake evenly.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Cheesy Pasta Bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy topping, and endless customization options, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
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Jamie Oliver Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This pasta bake features al dente pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked until bubbling and golden on top. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or additional spices for extra flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- Pasta (400g): Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well.
- Cheddar Cheese (200g, grated): For a rich, sharp flavor.
- Mozzarella (150g, grated): Adds creaminess and stretch.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated): For an extra savory kick.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For making the roux.
- Plain Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce.
- Milk (500ml): The base for the béchamel sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional): Adds warmth to the sauce.
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked Chicken or Ham (1 cup, diced): For a protein boost.
- Spinach or Broccoli (1-2 cups, chopped): Adds freshness and nutrition.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For a crispy topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the béchamel sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly to make a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and assemble
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. If adding vegetables or proteins, stir them in at this stage. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add the topping and bake
Sprinkle extra grated cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy hot.
