easy baked pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy baked pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – easy baked pasta. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I first discovered this recipe on a family trip to Italy, where we fell in love with the simplicity and flavors of traditional Italian cuisine.

Since then, it’s been a regular in our kitchen, and my kids can’t get enough of it. There’s something about the combination of pasta, sauce, and melted cheese that just makes everyone happy. And the best part?

It’s actually quite healthy, too – we’re talking whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef or turkey, and plenty of veggies. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! I’ve included some fun facts about the history of pasta below, but let’s get to the recipe already!

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your liking with different types of pasta, meats, and veggies. My kids love it when I add some diced chicken or steak for extra protein.

And don’t even get me started on the leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep or packing lunches for school.

Easy Baked Pasta

4.5 from 947 votes

A simple and hearty baked pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 lb (450g) penne or other short pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly

2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
8Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
9Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
11Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
12In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the tomato sauce.
13Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
14Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
15Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
16Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
18Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or saucepan
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable-based pasta. You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for extra protein. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Easy Baked Pasta Works

One of my favorite things about this easy baked pasta recipe is how well it stores and reheats. We often have leftovers for days after making this dish, which makes meal planning a breeze.

Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until they’re hot and bubbly – my kids love being able to grab a quick lunch from the fridge without having to reheat anything themselves! Another bonus: this dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving ideas.

Serve it straight out of the baking dish as a main course or use individual portions as an appetizer at your next party.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pasta

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

While you can use any type of pasta you like, I find that shorter shapes like penne or macaroni work best. This is because they hold onto the sauce nicely and don’t get lost in the dish.

Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?

Absolutely! In fact, I often prefer ground turkey because it’s leaner than beef and has a slightly milder flavor. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned and there are no pink spots remaining.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to cook it al dente – that means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it when you bite into it. Then, once you’ve combined the cooked pasta with your sauce and cheese mixture, let everything sit for a few minutes before baking. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the liquid from the sauce and prevents sogginess.

Can I add other vegetables besides bell peppers?

Of course! Some other veggies that pair well with this recipe include sliced onions, chopped zucchini, diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms.

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