Name: Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess); Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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I’m about to share the ultimate comfort food that will have you coming back for seconds (or maybe thirds!). This cheesy baked pasta is everything you could ever want in a dish—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. The combination of pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and that golden, bubbly cheese topping makes it impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty, this baked pasta will definitely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest, who can say no to cheesy pasta? This baked pasta takes all the things we love about pasta and gives them an upgrade with an ultra-creamy cheese sauce, a blend of melty cheeses, and the most amazing golden crust on top. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile, and it’s simple enough to make for any occasion. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a party, or just when you need some cheesy comfort.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a few pantry staples like pasta, cheese, and milk. You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but trust me, it’s worth it for the rich, creamy results!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or ziti) in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, stir in your shredded cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan work wonderfully together) until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly. This is the part where you’ll start to see the magic happen—just wait until the cheese starts to melt and coat the pasta in all its gooey goodness!

Step 4: Bake the Pasta

Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top—extra mozzarella or cheddar works great for a melty, golden crust. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long!) before serving. Dish it out, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan if you like, and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For an even creamier sauce, add a little cream in place of some of the milk. Heavy cream or half-and-half will make it extra rich.
If you love a crispy top (who doesn’t?), broil the pasta for 2-3 minutes at the end to get that perfect golden crust.
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for added depth of flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian: This recipe is already meat-free, but you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes to make it even more hearty.
Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to make this a more filling meal.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This cheesy baked pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and some garlic bread. You could even serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty soup for the perfect dinner spread. If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of white wine would complement the rich, cheesy flavors wonderfully!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. For a fresh, crispy top, you can briefly broil it again for a few minutes when reheating.

4 FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even macaroni would work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta and cheese sauce the night before, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. It may need an extra few minutes to bake through.

What if I don’t have mozzarella?
No problem! You can use any melty cheese like fontina, provolone, or even Monterey Jack. Just make sure you have a good melting cheese for that creamy texture.

Can I freeze this baked pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking it. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta is everything you’ve ever wanted in a comforting meal. With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly baked cheesy top, and satisfying pasta, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this is the cheesy pasta you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian, American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This ultimate cheesy baked pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish, loaded with layers of gooey melted cheese, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. It’s the ultimate cheesy treat that’s guaranteed to please the whole family!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package directions, draining it when it’s al dente. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce. Add the ricotta cheese (if using) and stir well.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Notes

You can add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish.
For an extra crispy top, broil the pasta for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.