Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping

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

Creamy pasta baked with a blend of cheeses and topped with a fragrant herb crumb crust. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Whole milk, Heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in 1/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth and thickened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar until melted and combined. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, then sprinkle over the pasta.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping?

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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping?

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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping 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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herb Crumb Topping?

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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