Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of butterfly pasta
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the butterfly pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
6. Add the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
9. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.
11. Bake the pasta for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of butterfly pasta.
- Other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta mixture before baking for a protein-packed meal.
- Add chopped vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to the pasta mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a different type of cheese sauce, such as a creamy Alfredo sauce, instead of the cheddar cheese sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling over the pasta.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked butterflies with creamy cheese sauce in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese make great garnishes for this dish.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the breadcrumb topping is not crispy enough, broil the pasta for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the pasta and cheese sauce to the appropriate temperature to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Butterfly pasta, also known as farfalle, originated in Italy in the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked butterflies with creamy cheese sauce as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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