Easy Pasta Bake
This easy Pasta Bake recipe is the ultimate comfort casserole. Made with any short pasta, filled with your favorite sauce and meat, and topped with a hefty dose of mozzarella cheese. Perfect make-ahead dish the entire family will love.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta like rigatoni or elbow (about half of a box)
- 1½ cups pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb cooked meat- Chicken sausage, or beef
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly coat the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the dry pasta, pasta sauce, heavy cream, and water directly into the baking dish.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing the edges to trap in steam.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from Oven and carefully take off the foil (watch out for steam!). Stir in your cooked meat and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is well mixed.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides like a salad or garlic bread.
Video
Notes
- Chicken Pasta Bake: This recipe is ideal for using up leftovers. If you have leftover chicken from the week, chop it into bite sized pieces, or shred, and heat for a minute or two before adding to the pasta. This is best for baked chicken, crispy chicken, or grilled chicken recipes. Try to avoid anything with strong flavors that won’t compliment the pasta.
- Sausage Pasta Bake: This is my favorite way to make this recipe. This is especially delicious using Aidells® Cajun Style Andouille Smoked Pork Sausage (not sponsored. Just my fave). Cook according to the package directions and chop before adding to the pasta.
- Beef Pasta Bake: Use cooked ground beef or meatballs.
- Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace the meat with a lightly sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, and carrots.
- Gluten Free: You can use a gluten free pasta in this recipe. Be sure to double check all of the ingredients to ensure gluten free options are used.
- Dairy Free: Replace the cream with additional water and replace the cheese with your favorite dairy free option.