Family Favorite Baked Pasta with Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Family Favorite Baked Dish is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce baked to bubbly perfection, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 ½ cups cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sauce (marinara or your choice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese, and sauce evenly.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, mix in cooked vegetables or cooked meat like ground beef or sausage before baking.
- Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar for a richer taste.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave covered for 1–2 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta package instructions.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before baking?
It’s best to cook the pasta until al dente before mixing and baking. This ensures the pasta is properly cooked and prevents it from becoming mushy.
PrintFamily Favorite Baked Pasta with Cheese Recipe
A comforting family favorite baked pasta dish combining pasta, cheese, and sauce, baked to bubbly perfection for a warm and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Transfer half of this mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over it, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese to create layers.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm for a hearty family meal.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape that holds sauce well like penne or rigatoni.
- For extra flavor, add cooked vegetables or meat like ground beef or sausage.
- Let the dish rest after baking to set the cheese and avoid burns when serving.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: baked pasta, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, comforting meal, baked pasta dish
