Carol's Baked Pasta

A Simple Comfort Food in a World Gone Mad: Carol's Baked Pasta

Let's be honest, life's thrown us some curveballs lately. Between juggling work, family, and the occasional zombie apocalypse (okay, maybe not the last one for everyone), sometimes you just crave something simple, comforting, and delicious. And that's where this recipe comes in: Carol's Baked Pasta. I stumbled upon it during a particularly stressful week, and let me tell you, it was a lifesaver (figuratively speaking, of course. Unless you're dealing with actual walkers, then maybe literally?).

I'm not a professional chef, just a regular woman trying to navigate the chaos of modern life. This recipe is perfect for those times when you're short on time and energy but still want a hearty and satisfying meal. It's adaptable, too. Don't have parmesan cheese? Use whatever you have on hand – cheddar, mozzarella, even a little bit of that questionable cheese dust from the back of the pantry will do in a pinch (we've all been there!). The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its ability to be customized to your available ingredients.

The recipe itself is straightforward, even for beginners. The creamy cheese sauce comes together quickly, and the baking process adds a lovely warmth and texture to the pasta. It's the kind of food that warms you from the inside out, a much-needed comfort in these uncertain times. I often double the recipe and freeze half for those days when I'm really stretched thin. A quick microwave zap later, and I have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in minutes, leaving me more time to tackle whatever life throws my way.

Beyond its practicality, this baked pasta also holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder that even amidst chaos and uncertainty, there's always room for comfort and good food. The simple act of creating something delicious, of nurturing myself and my loved ones, is a small act of defiance against the stresses of daily life. It is a testament to our resilience and our ability to find joy and nourishment even in the most challenging of circumstances.

So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a complete novice, I urge you to try Carol's Baked Pasta. It’s more than just a recipe; it's a reminder to embrace the simple things, to find comfort in familiar flavors, and to never underestimate the power of a well-made, cheesy pasta dish. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a certain someone’s stomach rumbling, and it's time to make another batch.

Ingredients:

• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable shortening or butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (powdered milk will work)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz dried pasta
• 6 oz canned tuna

Remember, cooking is an act of love. Enjoy the process, and savor the results!

Step-by-step

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt.
• Preheat the oven to 400F.
• Once the water comes up to a boil, add your pasta and cook until the pasta softens but still has a bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
• In another pot, melt your butter or shortening.
• Add your flour and whisk to combine.
• Add your milk in three additions. Whisk in between each addition to prevent lumps.
• Keep whisking on medium heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of your spoon. This will take around 10 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and add your cheese. Whisk to combine.
• Toss your pasta in the cheese mixture along with the tuna.
• Pour the pasta into an ovenproof pan and bake.
• Bake in the oven until cooked through. This will only take about 5-8 minutes in a 400F oven.
• You can add more cheese on top or even breadcrumbs.