This cheesy baked pasta is a comforting dish that mixes pasta with rich tomato sauce and lots of melted cheese. It’s good for family dinners and gatherings.

The recipe is easy to follow and you can add your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it work well for any meal.

Overview of Cheesy Baked Pasta

This cheesy baked pasta dish combines different textures and flavors that bring warmth to any dining experience.

With its golden, bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce, it looks as good as it tastes.

Good for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe offers a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The main parts of this dish include al dente pasta, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese.

Using mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan together creates a creamy, cheesy layer that melts well in the oven.

Adding Italian seasoning and garlic powder makes the flavor better, making each bite taste good.

Preparation Steps

To start, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pasta according to package directions.

Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the sauce mixture.

Mixing the pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and seasonings in a large bowl makes sure every piece gets coated with flavor.

Layering for Flavor

Layering is important for getting the perfect baked pasta.

Start by spreading half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish, then add a good amount of mozzarella cheese.

Do this again with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese for that golden crust.

Baking to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Taking off the foil for the last 10-15 minutes lets the cheese melt and bubble, creating a nice golden top.

The smell that fills the kitchen during baking is great, setting up for a good meal.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Adding fresh basil on top gives color and freshness that goes well with the rich pasta flavors.

Serve this cheesy baked pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy.

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

This baked pasta features al dente pasta mixed with a savory tomato sauce, topped with a generous layer of cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Layer the Dish: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 52g

Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Layer the Dish: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.