Seared Penne and Cheeses

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Seared Penne and Cheeses recipe, a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, golden textures. Featuring a luscious three-cheese sauce made with cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to new heights by searing the penne in olive oil for a crispy, caramelized layer. Topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy yet elevated pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you're craving a cozy classic or looking for a new twist on cheesy pasta, this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and no lumps remain.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese sauce is smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly. Spread the pasta into an even layer and allow it to sear without stirring for 3-4 minutes to achieve a crispy bottom.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently fold to coat the penne evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 8

In a small pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden brown. Sprinkle over the seared penne.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Seared Penne and Cheeses!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1432.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4054.8

Total Fat 211.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 112.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 545.8mg	0%
Sodium 6323.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 364.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g	0%
Total Sugars 25.6g
Protein 183.5g	0%

Vitamin D 250.7IU	0%
Calcium 3734.8mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 2051.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 35.6%