There’s just something magical about a bubbling hot pasta bake—cheesy, saucy, and straight-up soul-soothing. This recipe is like a hug in a dish, layering tender pasta with rich tomato garlic sauce and a trio of ooey-gooey cheeses. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this one ticks all the boxes. And the best part? It’s so simple, even a beginner can master it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-cheesy layers for that perfect pull in every bite
- Oven-baked goodness with a crisp, golden top
- Hearty and herby tomato sauce that tastes homemade
- Customizable—add veggies, meat, or keep it classic
- Perfect for meal prep and super freezer-friendly
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Focus Keyphrase | pasta bake |
Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until golden. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- In the dish, layer half the pasta, then half the tomato sauce, spoon dollops of ricotta, sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat the layers and top with parmesan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
How to Make This Cheesy Pasta Bake
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente—don’t overcook since it’ll bake more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken and deepen in flavor.
3. Layer the Pasta Bake
In a greased dish, layer half the pasta, then spoon over half the sauce, dollop ricotta, sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat. Finish with mozzarella and a parmesan topping.
4. Bake It
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in!
Pro Tips
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking
- Let it rest for 5–10 mins post-bake so the layers set
- Use fresh basil on top for a fragrant finish
Flavor Variations
- Add meat: Browned ground beef, turkey, or sausage
- Go veggie: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Make it creamy: Add béchamel or white sauce between layers
Add meat: Browned ground beef, turkey, or sausage—or take it up a notch and try it with garlic parmesan chicken for a bold, flavor-packed twist!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty pasta bake with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A crisp green salad
- A glass of red wine or iced tea
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
Leftovers
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Still delicious the next day!
Freezing
Freeze baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic, label it, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat at 350°F covered with foil until warm. For individual portions, microwave in short bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta bake vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and load it with veggies or keep it classic with cheese and sauce.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes—just enhance it with fresh garlic, herbs, or chili flakes to make it taste homemade.
What type of pasta is best for pasta bake?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great—they hold sauce and bake evenly.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
When life calls for comfort food, this pasta bake always delivers. It’s warm, cheesy, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday dinner, this dish brings people together—around the table and over second helpings. Go on, grab that baking dish and let’s get cheesy.