Baked Pasta – A Comforting Italian Classic
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, this pasta dish captures the heart of Italian comfort food.It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for family meals.Each layer delivers delicious flavors and textures.Baked pasta is the ultimate comfort dish for pasta lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked ground beef or vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Mix sauce and pasta in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, and basil.
- Layer the dish – Spread half the pasta in a greased baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta and half of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Top with Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.