Short Description
Cheesy pasta bake is a comforting, oven-baked dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, loaded with melty cheese, and baked to golden perfection. This easy casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super cheesy – A mix of gooey melted cheeses in every bite.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for leftovers – Reheats well for another meal.
- Customizable – Add proteins, veggies, or different cheeses.
- Perfect for family dinners – A comforting dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta Bake:
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper
For the Cheesy Topping:
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions

- Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta – Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef (if using). Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce – Mix pasta with the sauce, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Add cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Protein boost – Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or tofu.
- Veggie-packed – Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Extra creamy – Stir in ricotta or cream cheese before baking.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta and sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan create the perfect cheesy combination.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best for holding sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Cook it al dente before baking to maintain texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
How do I add more flavor?
Use garlic, herbs, or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth.
What’s the best way to get a golden, crispy cheese topping?
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Can I add breadcrumbs for crunch?
Yes! Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust bake time as needed.
Conclusion
Cheesy pasta bake is an easy, hearty, and delicious dish that’s perfect for family meals or meal prep. With layers of rich sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked pasta, this comforting casserole is sure to be a favorite. Try it today for a satisfying, cheesy delight!
PrintCheesy Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Pasta Bake is a warm, comforting dish loaded with pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly topping, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour in the meat sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spicy Option: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes.