Description
Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta is a comfort food lover’s dream. This rich and creamy pasta dish is loaded with melty cheeses, savory marinara sauce, and a perfectly baked golden top. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives every bite a cheesy, decadent experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and marinara sauce. Stir in the cheese mixture and mix until the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Baked Pasta: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, along with red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) for added protein.
- For a crispier top, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and substitute the heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg