Baked pasta with cheese

Baked cheese pasta – A delight that will make your mouth water!

Who doesn't love pasta? This versatile ingredient is the base of many beloved recipes, and when it comes to the combination with cheese, things become truly spectacular. Today's recipe – baked cheese pasta – is a true culinary indulgence, appreciated by all who have had the pleasure of savoring it. It is a perfect choice for a quick dinner, but also to impress guests. The good news is that this recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 300 g cow's telemea cheese
- 250 g cow's cottage cheese
- 150 g mozzarella cheese
- 200 g sour cream (18% fat)
- 2 eggs
- Salt (to taste)

A bit of history:
Baked cheese pasta is a reinterpretation of a classic dish that has been enjoyed over time in various forms. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of cheeses and the aroma of pasta, creating a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

Helpful tip: Choose high-quality cheeses, as the final taste of the dish significantly depends on them. Well-aged telemea and fresh cottage cheese can work wonders in this recipe.

Step by step:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, grate the telemea and cottage cheese. Add a little salt, being careful not to overdo it, as telemea can be quite salty. Incorporate the sour cream, mixing well until you achieve a smooth composition. Reserve 2 tablespoons of sour cream for later.

3. Prepare the eggs: In another bowl, beat the two eggs together with the reserved 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Add the grated mozzarella and mix well. This mixture will add creaminess to the dish.

4. Mix the pasta: Add the boiled pasta to the bowl with the cheese and sour cream mixture. Mix well to ensure that each piece of pasta is coated with this delicious mixture.

5. Transfer to the baking dish: Prepare a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Pour in the pasta and cheese mixture, leveling it evenly.

6. Add the topping: On top, pour the beaten egg with sour cream and sprinkle the grated cheese. It will brown nicely during baking, creating a crispy crust.

7. Bake the dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish with pasta inside. Let it bake for about 30 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and appetizing.

8. Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve the pasta hot, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. Enjoy!

Tips and variations:
- You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the pasta mixture to enrich the dish.
- If you like more intense flavors, try adding spices like oregano or basil.
- Substitute mozzarella cheese with goat cheese for a different and hearty taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! It works well with any type of pasta, but short ones capture the sauce better.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pasta a day ahead and then put it in the oven before serving. This can make cooking for a larger gathering even easier.

Nutritional benefits:
These pastas are rich in protein due to the cheeses and eggs, and the sour cream adds healthy fats. Additionally, pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the entire day.

Serving suggestions:
For a complete meal, you can pair these pasta with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade. Also, a green salad with lemon dressing will perfectly complement this dish.

In conclusion, baked cheese pasta represents more than just a simple dish; it is a culinary experience that combines flavor, textures, and a rich history. I hope you enjoy every bite and bring a touch of joy to every meal! Enjoy!