CREAMY PARMESAN BAKED PASTA

Creamy Parmesan Baked Pasta image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound medium shell pasta
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for the pasta water
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
2 cups grated mild provolone
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
3 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

For the topping: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Mix together the panko, Parmesan and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with the salt and set aside.
For the pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 4 minutes, then reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain. Set aside.
Place a medium braiser over medium heat. Melt the butter and whisk in the flour until smooth. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add the cream, whisking. Bring the milk mixture to a simmer, whisking often. Whisk in the provolone and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with the salt. Fold in the blanched pasta, reserved pasta water and the broccoli florets. Top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake in the top third of the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes.