Baked pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This easy recipe combines tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your choice of meat or vegetables, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a versatile, one-dish meal that’s as delicious as it is simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and satisfying: Packed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for ultimate comfort.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, or cheese blends.
• Family-friendly: A dish that everyone at the table will love.
• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, ziti, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey (optional)
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (chopped)
• Ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Cook the meat (if using): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta

1. Mix the pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. If using ricotta, mix it in for extra creaminess.
2. Layer the pasta: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.

Step 4: Bake the Pasta

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

• Let the baked pasta cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Cheese options: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or fontina for extra flavor.
• Protein additions: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or cooked meatballs.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini works well in this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What sides go well with baked pasta?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese melt and brown.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, a good-quality marinara or pasta sauce works perfectly. Homemade sauce adds a special touch if you have the time.

How do I make the dish creamier?

Mix in ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a creamy texture.

Can I freeze baked pasta after cooking?

Yes, let the baked pasta cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Cover the dish with foil during baking to lock in moisture, and don’t overcook the pasta before baking.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Fresh basil or parsley makes a great addition for added freshness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe for a crowd. Use two baking dishes to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Baked pasta is a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe delivers bold flavors, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta every time. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and delicious!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Baked Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining al dente pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a dish that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
   • Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the egg. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake the Pasta:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let the baked pasta cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.