Creamy Pasta & Cheese - Did Someone Say Comfort Food?

Creamy Pasta & Cheese - Did Someone Say Comfort Food?

This is the dish you make when everyone needs comfort — immediately.

This Creamy Balsamic Pasta & Cheese is rich, bubbling, and unapologetically cozy, but with one small twist that keeps it from feeling heavy: a gentle splash of balsamic vinegar stirred into the cheese sauce.

The balsamic doesn’t make this taste tangy — it simply balances the richness, deepens the flavor, and makes the whole dish feel just a little more grown-up (without sacrificing the gooey goodness).

Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or nights when you need a win and don’t want to think too hard about it.

✨ Best balsamics for this dish: Traditional Dark, White Balsamic, or Maple Balsamic (used lightly).

Baked Pasta & Cheese with Balsamic

A creamy, baked pasta & cheese made even better with a subtle splash of balsamic vinegar for balance and depth. Comfort food that delivers every time.

Author
The Little Shop of Olive Oils
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
6-8
Category

Main Courses

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2½ cups milk (or half milk / half cream)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, fontina, gruyère, or a mix)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons Traditional Dark, White, or Maple Balsamic Vinegar
  • Optional topping: extra cheese or buttery breadcrumbs

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta until just al dente; drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth.
  5. Stir in balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  6. Fold pasta into cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish or skillet.
  7. Top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if using.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

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