Comfort Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, kid-approved baked pasta dish that’s perfect for busy families. Creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta make this a weeknight favorite. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, butter, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup grated cheddar, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne to saucepan and toss until coated. Cook 2 minutes until pasta is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and transfer to a baking dish. Bake 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Comfort Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Comfort Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Comfort Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Comfort Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Comfort Pasta?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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