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Home » Dinner

Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Published: Mar 24, 2020 · Last Updated: May 4, 2022 by Aimee - This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This easy cheesy pasta bake recipe is a quick weeknight dinner for the family! The cheesy pasta uses mostly pantry ingredients and whips up in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights.

You can use ziti, penne, farfalle, spaghetti, or even tortellini in this cheesy baked pasta.

easy pasta bake

Ever have nights where you have no time? You just want dinner on the table. Maybe something comforting and filling. Something you almost always have the ingredients for. Something you can customize to what you have in the house. Something absolutely delicious.

Enter this easy, cheesy pasta bake. It's seriously one of the easiest dinners you can ever make. A delicious stress-free meal. Simply boil pasta, toss with a can of tomato sauce, add some herbs if you want, top with cheese, and stick it under the broiler.

This easy cheesy pasta bake recipe uses the simplest of ingredients too. Ones I always have around, and you probably do too. And if you don't? Easy to switch stuff out.

Ingredients:

  • Dried pasta
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese - (can use fresh if you have it)
  • Any herbs and spices you want
  • Salt and pepper (if desired)

Substitutions and additions:

  • Pasta - I used farfalle pasta (the kind that's shaped like bowties!) But you can use whatever you have around. Ziti, penne pasta, even spaghetti. They can all be used here. Stay away from something tiny like orzo, but otherwise go wild!
  • Tomato sauce - I like to use just a can of plain old tomato sauce. But if you have a jarred pasta sauce, feel free to use that.
  • Cheese - I love how mozzarella melts on this pasta. But honestly? I've used cheddar on this. I've used a shredded Mexican cheese blend from the store. Use what you've got. Within reason of course. I think Brie cheese would be weird on this haha. But any basic cheese will do. You can also top with some fresh parmesan cheese at the end if you like!
  • Herbs and spices - I typically use dried oregano. But you can use an Italian Blend, or leave it out all together. Want to make it a little spicy? Throw some red pepper flakes in.
  • Meatballs - I like to keep this simple. But you can always add things if you like! Cook up some meatballs, cut them up, and add them.
  • Chicken - This would be delicious with diced chicken! We've definitely done that before.
  • Diced pepperoni - We've made this many times in the past by dicing up some pepperoni cubes and adding them in. It adds a wonderful texture and flavor!
  • Italian sausage or ground beef - Cook up some Italian sausage or ground beef and stir in!
  • Fresh veggies - You can always add whatever fresh veggies you want! Diced tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, etc. Go crazy! Just remember some things may need to be cooked prior to baking so that they are hot and cooked through.

Can you use refrigerated or fresh pasta?

You can also use refrigerated tortellini or pasta, but keep in mind refrigerated or fresh pasta will take a much shorter time to cook. So this will actually speed up your cooking time! I actually love using refrigerated tortellini from Trader Joe's when I make this cheesy pasta bake.

Recipe tips:

  • If you're adding extra ingredients like Italian sausage, fresh veggies, etc., please note that some items may need to be cooked prior to baking the dish in the oven. This will add to the cooking time.
  • All ovens cook differently. Keep a close eye on the pasta bake while it's under the broiler.
  • If you serve immediately, the tomato sauce should be warmed. If you're concerned about the tomato sauce not getting hot enough under the broiler, you can first bake the dish for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F before broiling the cheese.

How to make:

Step one. Boil pasta according to the package directions.

Then, take out an oven-safe baking dish. I use an 8x11 casserole dish, but you can use a 9x13 too. Pour a little tomato sauce into the bottom. Turn on the broiler so it's hot and ready!

Once the pasta is done cooking, drain and then pour the cooked pasta into the dish. Add the rest of the tomato sauce, and any seasonings.

Stir to combine and to make sure the tomato sauce is well-distributed.

pasta with tomato sauce

Sprinkle your cheese over the top of the cooked pasta.

cheese on top of pasta

Then stick under the broiler and watch carefully. Every oven is different, and the time in the oven depends on how your oven operates and also how close your dish is to the broiler.

pasta bake in the oven

Once it's done, remove from the oven and enjoy the easy cheesy pasta bake!

cheesy pasta
cheesy pasta bake
easy pasta bake
easy pasta bake

Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Recipe by Aimee
This easy cheesy pasta bake recipe is a quick weeknight dinner for the family! The cheesy pasta uses mostly pantry ingredients and whips up in a flash. Perfect for those busy nights.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz dried pasta like farfalle or penne
  • 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Take a large pot and add water. Place pot on the stove over high heat until water starts boiling.
  • Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions until cooked through.
  • Turn on your oven broiler.
  • Take out an 8x11 or 9x13 baking dish and add a bit of the tomato sauce to the bottom.
  • Drain the cooked pasta, and then add to the baking dish.
  • Add the rest of the tomato sauce and herbs to the baking dish. Stir to combine, until all the pasta is coated with the tomato sauce.
  • Top with the cheese, so you have a nice layer on top.
  • Stick under the broiler and watch carefully. Once the cheese is melted and browned, remove from the oven.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe notes:
  • If you serve immediately, the tomato sauce should be warmed. If you're concerned about the tomato sauce not getting hot enough under the broiler, you can first bake the dish for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F before broiling the cheese.
  • For ideas on additions and substitutions, please check out the blog post.

If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.

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« 15 Easy Meals for the Novice or Busy Cook
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