Name: The Pasta Queen’s kitchen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2–3 cups whole milk, warmed; Pinch of salt; Pinch of black pepper; 8 ounces (about 1/2 pound) rigatoni or pasta shape of choice; 1 cup Fontina cheese, cut into small cubes (more to taste); 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for topping); 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for topping); Pasta shape: penne, ziti, rotini, or macaroni; Cheeses: mozzarella, Gruyère, or white cheddar; Toppings: breadcrumbs, crispy shallots; Seasonings: pinch of nutmeg or cayenne in bechamel

Get ready to dive into comfort food heaven with this Delicious Recipe straight from The Pasta Queen’s kitchen: the “400-Year-Old” Mac and Cheese Bake. Somewhere between rustic Italian tradition and creamy, bubbling decadence, this pasta casserole proves that simple, timeless techniques are always a win. With luscious bechamel, heaps of melty cheese, and perfectly baked pasta, you’ll discover why this classic stands strong in the Delicious Recipe hall of fame. It’s a dish that’s cozy, unfussy, and destined to make you wonder why you ever searched for something trendier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret to what makes this Delicious Recipe so good. Each ingredient plays a starring role—whether creating the silkiness of the sauce or delivering gooey, cheese-filled bites. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:

Rigatoni pasta: Its sturdy tubes catch all that luscious sauce—though you can swap for any favorite shape.
Fontina cheese: Melts beautifully, turning every bite delightfully creamy—you’ll want to cut it into hearty cubes.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty kick both inside and on top of your bake, intensifying the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Essential for the velvety bechamel and for dotting atop the finished pasta for extra richness.
All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to build that classic, thickened white sauce base.
Whole milk: Warmed gently before adding, it ensures the bechamel is smooth and luscious.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget these kitchen staples—just a pinch of each wakes up all the other flavors.
Optional spices: A grating of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne gives the sauce a hint of intrigue if you like!

How to Make The Pasta Queen’s kitchen

Step 1: Whip Up a Silky Bechamel Sauce

Start by melting butter in a large, oven-safe skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in an equal amount of flour—stir constantly with a whisk until silky and golden, about 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking while you go. Keep going until the sauce thickens into something velvety. Season with a pinch of salt and plenty of cracked black pepper, plus a touch of nutmeg if you’re feeling classic.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a pot of salty water to a boil and add your rigatoni. You’ll want it al dente, because it will continue baking in the oven—no one likes mushy noodles! Drain well but don’t let them dry out.

Step 3: Mix Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce

Gently fold the hot, drained rigatoni into the bechamel sauce. While everything’s still warm, scatter in chunks of Fontina cheese and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. The heat will begin melting those cubes, hinting at the gooey bliss to come.

Step 4: Prep for the Oven

Smooth everything out in your skillet or transfer to a baking dish. Finish by topping with another layer of grated Parmesan and dotting the surface with cubes of butter. These will help brown the top and create irresistible crispy bits.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide into a 400°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, keeping an eye on the top. You’re looking for golden patches, bubbling cheese, and edges that beg to be scooped up. Serve hot, immediately—this Delicious Recipe truly shines straight from the oven.

How to Serve The Pasta Queen’s kitchen

Garnishes

For that authentic Italian finish, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan just before serving. A few turns of cracked black pepper and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil gives the bake freshness and color that make every slice pop.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese bake is cozy enough on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlicky bread elevates your meal into a memorable spread. A juicy tomato salad or a peppery arugula side also cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party twist, or serving family style straight from the skillet. Want to add crunch? Try a topping of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots for a gourmet edge that’ll keep your guests guessing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Delicious Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—though odds are, you won’t have much left!

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? You can assemble the bake, wrap tightly, and freeze before the final bake. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake directly—add a few extra minutes to get that signature bubbly, golden top.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven will bring back that beautiful top and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What’s the best type of cheese for this Delicious Recipe?

Fontina and Parmesan are the heart of the bake, but feel free to blend in Gruyère, mozzarella, or even white cheddar for your own twist. The main rule? Use cheeses that melt beautifully and taste great together.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is a classic choice for catching all that creamy sauce, penne, ziti, shells, or even rotini will work perfectly for this Delicious Recipe. Just aim for pasta with some nooks and crannies.

Is it possible to make this bake gluten free?

Yes! Just substitute gluten free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend in the bechamel. You’ll get all the flavor of the original Delicious Recipe without missing a beat.

What can I add to make it more of a one-dish meal?

Try mixing in sautéed greens, roasted mushrooms, or cooked chicken for a heartier bake. You’re not breaking any ancient Italian law by getting creative—this Delicious Recipe welcomes your personal touch.

Can I prepare the Delicious Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything up until baking, cover well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge for bubbling, cheesy perfection.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about taking humble pantry staples and turning them into a Delicious Recipe that feels like a warm hug. Give this Italian-inspired mac and cheese bake a try—it’s sure to charm anyone at your table, become an instant favorite, and keep you coming back for spoonful after spoonful.