Family 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
Scale
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
