Pasta Bake

There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling dish of baked pasta coming out of the oven. It’s warm, filling, and meant to be shared without fuss. A good pasta bake brings together simple pantry ingredients into one cozy meal that works just as well for busy evenings as it does for slow, chilly nights. It’s the kind of recipe that feels familiar even the first time you make it. I usually cook it when I want dinner handled in one dish, with enough leftovers to make tomorrow easier. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always welcome at the table, which is why this pasta bake gets made again and again.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about comfort without complication. The flavors are rich but familiar, the steps are easy to follow, and everything comes together in one baking dish. It’s weeknight-friendly when time is short, yet cozy enough to feel special on a quiet weekend. You can stretch it to feed a crowd, keep it budget-friendly, or tuck extra portions into the freezer for later. Leftovers reheat beautifully, which makes lunches feel less rushed. It’s also flexible, so you can swap ingredients based on what’s already in your fridge. This baked pasta dish is the kind of meal people save because it solves dinner in a way that feels calm, warm, and reliable.

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Ingredients

Tip: Short pasta shapes with ridges hold sauce best and bake evenly.

  • 12 oz dry short pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil and cook the pasta until just tender, not soft. Drain well and set aside. Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish so nothing sticks later.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Warm olive oil in a pan until it shimmers slightly. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, then stir in garlic. You’ll notice a gentle aroma when it’s ready. Keep the heat moderate so nothing browns too fast.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour in the tomatoes and cream, stirring until smooth and lightly thickened. Season and let it simmer briefly. Fold in the cooked pasta, coating every piece so it looks glossy and evenly dressed.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Transfer everything to the baking dish and scatter cheese evenly on top. Bake until the edges bubble and the top turns lightly golden. Let it rest a few minutes so the layers settle before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This dish is built for planning ahead. You can assemble it earlier in the day, keep it chilled, and bake when needed. Cleanup is minimal, and leftovers hold up well for days. It’s the kind of meal Pinterest cooks save for those evenings when energy is low but comfort still matters.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pasta stay slightly firm before baking. Overcooking it in water leads to a soft, mushy texture after the oven step. A little bite at the start gives you a better final result.
  • Grate your cheese fresh if possible. Pre-shredded blends can melt unevenly and create a dry top. Freshly grated cheese gives a smoother, creamier finish.
  • If the sauce looks thick in the pan, add a small splash of pasta water. This helps everything blend smoothly and prevents dryness as it bakes.
  • Resting after baking matters. Cutting too soon causes the layers to slide apart. Five quiet minutes lets everything settle and scoop cleanly.

Variations

Meaty Version
Brown ground beef or chicken in the pan before adding onions. Drain excess fat so the sauce stays balanced. This adds heartiness without changing the overall method, making it filling enough for bigger appetites.

Vegetarian Option
Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini with the sauce. Cook vegetables until moisture releases, then proceed as usual. This keeps the bake rich without becoming watery.

Ingredient Swap
Use ricotta instead of cream for a slightly thicker texture. Whisk it with a splash of milk first so it blends smoothly into the sauce and doesn’t clump.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes just before baking. These small touches lift the flavor without overpowering the comforting base.

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple Green Salad
    Serve with a crisp salad dressed lightly in oil and vinegar. The freshness balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling complete but not heavy.
  • Garlic Bread on the Side
    Warm bread is perfect for scooping extra sauce. Keep it casual and serve family-style so everyone helps themselves.
  • Roasted Vegetables
    A tray of roasted broccoli or carrots adds color and texture. It’s an easy oven companion while the bake rests.
  • Casual Family Style
    Bring the dish straight to the table in its baking dish. It feels relaxed, cozy, and perfect for shared meals.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Let leftovers cool completely before covering. Store in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors deepen slightly, making next-day portions even better.
  • Reheating
    Warm individual servings in the microwave with a loose cover, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in tightly wrapped portions for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if starting cold.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains roughly 420–480 calories, with 18–22 grams of protein. Calcium and carbohydrates are notable contributors. Values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and any substitutions made.

FAQs

Yes, assemble it fully and bake later.

Overcooking the pasta before baking.

Yes, any good-melting cheese works.

It likely needed a bit more sauce or pasta water.

Up to four days when sealed well.

Conclusion

This is the kind of meal that quietly earns its place in your regular rotation. It’s adaptable, comforting, and easy to make your own without stress. Once you’ve cooked it once, it becomes a template for using what you already have. Whether you’re feeding family, planning ahead, or just craving something warm, this pasta bake fits right in. Save it, tweak it, and come back to it whenever you need a dish that feels like home without demanding too much effort.

Pasta Bake
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Pasta Bake

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Pasta Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

A cozy, oven-baked pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce and golden cheese topping. Easy to prep, comforting to eat, and perfect for relaxed family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz short pasta

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer briefly.
  • Mix pasta with sauce and spread into a greased baking dish.
  • Top with cheeses and bake at 375°F until bubbly and lightly golden.

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