English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake

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

A cozy baked pasta dish featuring sharp English white cheddar and fresh sage for a comforting, savory meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs penne pasta, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 480 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 ounces penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until cheese melts.
  5. Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake?

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 English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake?

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 English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 English White Cheddar and Sage Pasta Bake?

Italian 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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