Herbed 3 Cheese Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Herbed 3 Cheese Bake, a luscious blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheeses. This oven-baked pasta dish is elevated with the fresh, fragrant flavors of basil, parsley, and thyme, creating the perfect harmony of herbs and cheese in every bite. Tossed in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese, this recipe is both decadent and satisfying. Quick to assemble in just 15 minutes, it bakes to perfection in under 30, making it an easy yet impressive choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve this cheesy pasta bake with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for an irresistible meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Penne pasta (or similar short pasta)
• 200 grams Ricotta cheese
• 200 grams Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 250 milliliters Heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm gently for about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the ricotta cheese, stirring until smooth and well-combined with the cream. Follow by mixing in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, and fresh thyme.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it evenly in the creamy herb and cheese sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1108.1 grams (1108.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2850

Total Fat 206.60g	265%
Saturated Fat 118.20g	591%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 661mg	220%
Sodium 5613mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 116.70g	42%
Dietary Fiber 6.70g	24%
Total Sugars 7.60g
Protein 124.00g	248%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3438mg	264%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 622mg	13%

*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: 65.9%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 16.5%