The Ultimate Easy Baked Pasta Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This comforting baked pasta recipe brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese in one irresistible dish. It is a true family classic, perfect for busy evenings or cozy gatherings. We’ll show you how simple it is to create this deeply satisfying, cheesy goodness right in your own kitchen. Get ready to bake!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pasta

This easy baked pasta recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness, making it a household staple. Here’s why it will quickly become one of your go-to meals:

• Quick to Assemble: You can pull this dish together in less than 25 minutes before baking.
• Perfect for Weeknights: It offers a hearty, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe easily serves 6-8 people, making it great for families or entertaining.
• Highly Customizable: Easily add your favorite meats or vegetables to make it your own.
• Great Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready.
• Incredibly Satisfying Comfort Food: Every bite is warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering baked pasta:

• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning your pasta water.
• 1 pound short tube pasta: Penne, ziti, or mezzi rigatoni work perfectly here.
• 4 cups tomato sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or a homemade blend.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a luxurious richness and creamy texture.
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (2 to 2.5 ounces): For sharp, savory flavor.
• 8 ounces whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella, divided: For that perfect melty, cheesy top.
• Optional Additions:
  • ¾ lb sweet or hot Italian sausage: Adds savory depth if you like meat.
  • 9 ounces Tuscan kale (pre-stemming), stemmed and roughly chopped: Boosts nutrition and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing optional additions.

Ingredients: Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this baked pasta recipe to fit your pantry and preferences.

• Pasta: Sturdy short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or rigatoni are best. They hold up well to baking and cling to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce for convenience, or use your favorite homemade marinara.
• Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest result. You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter option.
• Cheeses: Whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella offers the best melt. For Parmesan, fresh grating makes a big difference in flavor. Understanding the science behind cheese melting is key to achieving that perfect gooey top, learning more about how mozzarella cheese melts and browns in baked dishes can elevate your cooking.
• Sausage: Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing sweet or hot Italian sausage.
• Vegetables: Swap Tuscan kale for fresh spinach, roasted mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make this fantastic baked pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot: For boiling your pasta to perfection.
• Large skillet: Essential if you plan to add sausage or kale.
• Large mixing bowl: For tossing all your ingredients together.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size, or use a disposable foil pan for easy cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Tongs or large spoon: Great for mixing everything thoroughly.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delightful baked pasta recipe. This guide ensures a perfect outcome every time.

1. Preheat Oven & Boil Water: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook for only 6 minutes; this ensures the pasta is significantly undercooked, preventing it from becoming mushy during baking.
3. Drain & Rinse Pasta: Drain the pasta immediately and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, helping prevent sticking.
4. Prepare Pasta for Mixing: Transfer the drained, rinsed pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pat it dry with a clean dish towel to remove surface moisture.
5. Cook Optional Additions (Sausage & Kale):
   • If using, place the Italian sausage in a large skillet over high heat. Once it starts to sizzle, reduce the heat to medium. Use a spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned.
   • Transfer the cooked sausage to the pasta bowl, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the same skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped kale and season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, using tongs to stir until the kale is wilted down.
   • Add the wilted kale to the pasta bowl with the sausage.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and 4 ounces of the mozzarella (shredded or cubed) to the pasta bowl.
7. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of mozzarella over the top of the pasta mixture.
10. Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
11. Rest & Serve: Let the baked pasta cool briefly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pasta

Achieve perfect results with these simple tips for your baked pasta recipe.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always undercook your pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven and stay firm, not mushy. Achieving the ideal ‘al dente’ texture ensures your pasta maintains its structure and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, as explained in articles about the art of cooking pasta al dente.
• Rinse Pasta Cold: This stops the cooking process and removes starch, preventing your pasta from clumping together.
• Layer Flavors: If adding sausage or vegetables, ensure you season them well during cooking for maximum taste.
• Use Good Quality Sauce: The sauce is a star. A flavorful tomato sauce elevates the entire dish.
• Don’t Skip the Cream: Heavy cream adds essential moisture and richness, keeping the pasta from drying out.
• Achieve Golden Crust: For extra crispy, golden cheese, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes allows the sauce to thicken and cheese to set beautifully.

Serving, Storage, and Make-Ahead

This versatile baked pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty dish with a crisp, fresh Caesar salad on the side.
• Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
• Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to add as desired.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover baked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains delicious for 3-4 days.
• Reheat Individual Portions: Microwave single servings on high until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Reheat Large Portions: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

• Assemble Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of topping with mozzarella. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Freeze Unbaked: For longer storage, cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Freeze Baked: Portion cooked and cooled baked pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Information

This baked pasta recipe offers a satisfying meal. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on average ingredient values and does not include optional add-ins like sausage or kale. Actual values may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of pasta works best?

Short tube pastas like penne, ziti, or rigatoni are ideal. They have ridges and openings that hold the sauce beautifully, perfect for any pasta recipe.

Can I omit the heavy cream?

Yes, you can. Replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of additional tomato sauce or even vegetable broth for a lighter result.

What other vegetables can I add?

Roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, diced zucchini, or steamed broccoli florets are all delicious additions. Cook them before adding to the pasta mixture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage from the ingredients. You can add extra vegetables for more bulk and nutrients.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

Undercook the pasta, use enough sauce and cream, and consider covering the dish with foil for the first part of the baking process. This helps retain moisture.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment. Provolone, fontina, or even mixing some ricotta into the sauce can add different layers of flavor to this delicious baked pasta recipe.

Conclusion

This ultimate easy baked pasta recipe truly delivers on comfort and flavor without the fuss. It’s a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply enjoying a hearty meal with your loved ones. We encourage you to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and letting your culinary creativity shine. Give this adaptable and delicious recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your comments and ratings below!