Baked Cheesy Penne Dish

I first found this recipe over a year ago on Pinterest. I needed to take a noodle side dish to a family dinner and decided I wanted to try something new.

It was a really good dish but I wanted to give it a couple of tweaks, so I've made it since (quite a few times actually), and I feel like I've got it ready enough to share with you all!

So, with out further hesitation I give you the Baked Cheesy Penne dish.

You're welcome 😊 

These noodles are incredibly delicious!

I've got some step-by-step pictures so you can see how it all comes together, the detailed recipe is below. 

While the noodles are boiling you'll make the sauce.

This is what it will look like at the thickening stage.

 After you add the cheese it will start to pull away from the sides of the pan when you're stirring.

 After the noodles have cooked you'll drain the water and add them to the baking dish.

 Add the cheese sauce and mix it all together.

 Make sure it's combined well.

 Sprinkle more cheese on top, then bake!

 Voila!
All ready to go.

Ingredients

1 lb. box penne noodles 

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 Tbsp. flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 c. shredded Colby jack cheese

1/3 c. heavy cream

1 c. milk

Preheat the oven to 400.

Over medium-high heat bring a large pot of water to a boil and add noodles. Cook about a minute less than recommended for al dente (they will cook a little more in the oven).

While the noodles are cooking, in a pan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk it together.

Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder and whisk to combine.

Slowly add the cream and then milk while continually stirring.

Bring the mixture to a slight boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes or until mixture starts to thicken.

Add 1 c of the cheddar and 1/2 c of the Colby jack cheese to the mixture and stir it all together until the cheese melts.

Remove from the heat.

Once the noodles have finished strain the water then pour the noodles into the baking dish. (I use a casserole dish) 
Pour the cheese mixture over the noodles and then stir the noodles and cheese sauce together.

Top with remaining 1/2 c. cheddar and 1/4 c. Colby and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

Enjoy!