Baked Pasta
When you don’t have a lot of time, baked pasta is a great dish to throw together. You really only need 3 or 4 ingredients. Is there anything more comforting than baked pasta? Pasta, sauce and cheese and then baked. So simple but deep flavors. To make this extra cheesy, cheese is added to each layer as it is built. I guess you could consider this a variation on a lasagna. The key to make this super tasty is good tomato sauce (your own marinara even better) and a variety of cheeses to add depth.
Ingredients:
- 2 packages Rigatoni
- 1 cup each shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 – 28 oz can of Italian Style Tomatoes
Directions:
In a big pot, boil water. Add salt and then the pasta noodles. Cook according to the box instructions. Should be about 10 – 12 minutes. Do not overcook because they will cook some more when baked.
Pull out a good size baking dish and begin to layer the pasta. Start with just a little sauce on the bottom. Then, put a full layer of the pasta
and generously spread each of the cheeses over all the pasta.
Keep repeating until the noodles are gone. Finish with a generous layer of cheese. For appearance, alternate the cheeses so you can get a variation in the colors. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes. Finish, by placing under the low broiler for 2 or 3 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and a little char.
Serve and enjoy!
The Recipe
Baked Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Rigatoni
- 1 Cup Shredded cheddar cheese & mozzarella
- 29 Ounce Jarred Italian tomato sauce
Instructions
- In a big pot, boil water. Add salt and then the pasta noodles. Cook according to the box instructions. Should be about 10 – 12 minutes. Do not overcook because they will cook some more when baked.Pull out a good size baking dish and begin to layer the pasta. Start with just a little sauce on the bottom. Then, put a full layer of the pasta followed by the Italian tomato sauce and some of each cheese.Keep repeating until the noodles are gone. Finish with a generous layer of cheese. For appearance, alternate the cheeses so you can get a variation in the colors. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes. Finish, by placing under the low broiler for 2 or 3 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and a little char.Serve and enjoy!
Responses
comments – I answer every one.
Where is the printable recipe?
Linda, I am out of town at a wedding. I made this recipe a decade ago. I will update the recipe when I get home. Thx for stopping by.
Could this be frozen and reheated later??? Thought about making ahead dishes for a friend who is ill, She could unthaw and oven it. Just a question. Thanks
Jane, that is a good question. Pasta typically does not freeze real well so I am not so sure. It could certainly stay in the fridge for a few days.
Don’t feel like going to the store so all I have is pasta, sauce, and mozzeralla cheese. Thanks for your recipe it save me a trip
Awesome Natasha. Same way it came together for me. Thx for sharing.
Love meatless pasta anytime of the year, this recipe of yours looks amazing and super simple to make. Love easy to make food, specially for busy weekdays or weekends when no one wants to spend the day in the kitchen.
Wanda, thanks so much. This is a super easy recipe and perfect for weeknights. Everyone will be a fan of this recipe.
Do I use tomatoes in a cab OR pasta sauce? I’I’m confused lol thanks
You totally could. I truly went the simple route with this recipe. I used can tomato sauce. The tomatoes would add a good chunkiness to the recipe.
looks comforting, I love the gooey cheese on top, this wont last long in my home
Melted cheese has a way of doing that.
Your Baked Pasta looks like a great dish for a super busy weeknight!
That is exactly what it is for. There are those nights.
Omg I’ve not had a pasta bake in ages! We try and hide lots of veggies in ours to bulk it out and make it healthier 🙂
I like the healthy but sometimes, we just have to indulge.
Pasta and cheese, my two favorite things and this would feed a crowd! Love the small ingredient list too!
I don’t do small ingredient lists often but sometimes, one just does not have a lot of time.