Short Description
This Baked Cheesy Pasta Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Made with tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses, this dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy and satisfying meal. Whether served as a family dinner or prepared for a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- A perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Customizable with different proteins and vegetables.
- Ideal for feeding a large group.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Protein Boost: Use shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil before freezing.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Penne, ziti, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to cook them longer to achieve the right consistency.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add more shredded cheese or mix in a cheese sauce before baking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
No, but if the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a good substitute, though it has a slightly different texture.
Conclusion
Baked Cheesy Pasta Casserole is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or save leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later!
Print
This Baked Cheesy Pasta Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish loaded with gooey cheese and baked to perfection! It’s an easy family meal that will satisfy every pasta lover.
- 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
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- Mix ingredients: Combine pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the rest of the pasta and top with more cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked ground beef or chicken.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.