Baked Pasta Recipe

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying? This baked pasta recipe is your go-to comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even weeknight meals. Packed with flavorful marinara sauce, layers of melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this baked pasta is easy to prepare and loved by everyone. With flexible ingredients and room for creativity, it’s ideal for customizing with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!

Ingredients Of Baked Pasta Recipe

Why You Will Love This Baked Pasta Recipe

This baked pasta recipe combines the richness of tomato sauce, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s versatile enough to fit your dietary needs—vegetarian or meat-lover friendly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or large gatherings. The layered structure ensures every bite is packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, making it a surefire hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation Process Of Baked Pasta Recipe

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown the meat if using. Mix in marinara sauce and seasoning to build a flavorful base. Layer cooked pasta with cheese and sauce in a baking dish, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden, then let it rest before serving.

Step By Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and half the sauce mixture.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
7. Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the sauce and cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.

How to Serve?

• With a side of garlic bread
• Paired with a fresh green salad
• Topped with extra parmesan
• Alongside roasted vegetables

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 480
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbohydrates: 48g
4. Fat: 22g
5. Fiber: 4g
6. Sugars: 6g
7. Calcium: 20% DV
8. Iron: 15% DV

Recipe Card

Baked Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Pasta Recipes

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

This baked pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s cheesy, hearty, and easy to make. Loaded with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s veggies or meat. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week, this baked pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste with homemade warmth. The best part? It can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple on your dinner table!

Ingredients

• Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – 12 oz

• Marinara sauce – 2 cups

• Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 lb (optional)

• Onion – 1 medium, chopped

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded

• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated

• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup (optional)

• Olive oil – 2 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

• Black pepper – to taste

• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp

• Fresh basil – for garnish

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
• Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and half the sauce mixture.
• In a greased baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
• Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the sauce and cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
• Let it rest after baking for cleaner slices.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in airtight containers.

FAQs

Conclusion