Meatless Monday just got more delicious (or you can add in some sausage or shredded chicken if you’d like)! With heaps of flavor and super simple prep, everyone loves this dish.
Easy Pasta Bake
We are absolutely loving this recipe right now because not only is it super easy to make, but the ingredients are often on hand for me! Who doesn’t love a creamy tomatoey, cheesy pasta dish? It’s a favorite with the kids, and hearty enough to satisfy those big appetites! No meat is needed in this dish but it is easy to adapt…. add in ground sausage, rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted vegetables.
Ingredients & Variations
The basics for this recipe are pasta, marinara, cream and loads of cheese! PASTA I used penne in this recipe, but any medium pasta will work great. MARINARA Store-bought or homemade will both taste amazing. Pasta sauce can be used too, whatever you have on hand! SEASONINGS Garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil are all added to this dish. Feel free to add any other spices you’d like! CHEESE Shredded Mozzarella is added to the top of the casserole and baked until golden brown. A perfect addition! VARIATIONS Feel free to add a layer of cooked ground beef or ground Italian sausage for a meatier version of this casserole! Or add a layer of zucchini or eggplant for some extra color, texture, and nutrition! Why not add a layer of frozen mixed veggies or some sliced mushrooms, too?
How to Make a Creamy Pasta Bake
This is a one and done deal, super easy and ready in no time!
Tips for Success
If using ground meat in a pasta cheese bake, pre-cook and drain it before adding to the casserole dish. Use finely shredded mozzarella cheese so it melts quickly and evenly. To brown the cheese, broil for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly.
For a basil garnish on the top, lay basil leaves one on top of the other and roll them up from one end to the other. Slice thinly from one end to the other until the basil looks like ribbons. This is called chiffonade and is a very popular way to garnish with basil! Try it! Serve this with a tossed salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal!
Other Delicious Pasta Dishes
Easy Homemade Lasagna – great for leftovers Spaghetti and Meatballs Creamy Baked Tortellini – with a cheesy white sauce Fusilli with Meat Sauce Chicken Alfredo Bake – great freezer dish
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