Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Crumb Topping

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

💡 Tip: Cooking the pasta slightly less than fully done ensures it won't become mushy when baked.

In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a smooth sauce, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and dried Italian herbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.

Let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.