Looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that everyone will love? This baked pasta recipe combines creamy sauce, tender noodles, and melty cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something warm and satisfying from the oven.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or cooking for a crowd, this dish makes dinner effortless and delicious.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been tested in our kitchen and approved by the Roz Recipes Team, it’s been a regular favorite on our dinner table!
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta and optional add-ins (meat or veggies) until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for extra protein.
- Make it vegetarian by using sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms instead of meat.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, ziti, rotini, or fusilli all work beautifully in baked pasta dishes.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook it until al dente, it will finish cooking as it bakes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the ricotta or replace it with cashew cream.
How do I keep baked pasta from drying out?
Make sure there’s enough sauce, and cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 16 g
Conclusion
This baked pasta recipe is simple, flavorful, and comforting, a perfect go-to for busy nights or casual family dinners. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!