Pasta Bake
A comforting and versatile dish, pasta bake combines pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Consider adding provolone or gouda for complex flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Assembling
- In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan over this layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- 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.
Serving
- Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Pasta bake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. For leftovers, reheat in the oven or microwave.