If you’re in the mood for comfort food that will make everyone around the table happy, look no further than this Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta. This dish is the definition of indulgence: a blend of gooey melted cheese, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that ties it all together. It’s like a cozy hug in a dish, and it’s the perfect go-to meal for family dinners, potlucks, or just a lazy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Goodness – A cheesy, melty dream that stretches with every bite.
Easy & Quick – Throw it all together and pop it in the oven—simple, no-fuss cooking!
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or even spices to make it your own.
Perfectly Comforting – The warm, creamy sauce and cheese will make you feel right at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need (full list below):

Your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work great)
A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that melty, cheesy layer
Tomato sauce or marinara sauce for a classic base
Heavy cream or ricotta for extra creaminess
Garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to give the sauce lots of flavor
Fresh basil or parsley for a finishing touch

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente (it’ll cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream (or ricotta), and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until well-coated. Add in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to make the sauce extra cheesy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it up hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Cheese – Fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan will give you the best melt.
For Extra Flavor – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sautéed spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
Make It Veggie-Filled – Stir in some cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Add Protein – Ground beef, sausage, or chicken are great additions if you want to make it more hearty.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the Cream – Use ricotta cheese instead of cream for a lighter, more textured sauce.
Make It Spicy – Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Use Gluten-Free Pasta – This recipe is easily adaptable to gluten-free pasta.
Try a Different Cheese – Experiment with provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This cheesy pasta is the perfect companion to:

A Side Salad – A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread – You can never go wrong with warm, crispy garlic bread on the side.
Grilled Veggies – Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus are light and complement the heaviness of the pasta.
A Glass of Red Wine – A bold red, like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the richness of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – To keep the cheese melty, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. You can cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing – This pasta dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Just cover tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the entire dish up to the baking point, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella blends, cheddar, or even some ricotta for added creaminess.

3. How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook the pasta when boiling. It should be slightly underdone since it’ll cook further in the oven.

4. Can I add meat to this?
Definitely! Ground beef, sausage, or even chicken will pair perfectly with this cheesy pasta.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal: cheesy, creamy, and totally delicious. It’s easy to make and customizable to your taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner for yourself, this pasta will become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta – Comfort Food at Its Best

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This cheesy baked pasta is an indulgent, comforting dish made with layers of pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a perfect blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. It’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and is sure to please everyone at the table!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Assemble: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.

Notes

For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the sauce.
You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. If refrigerated, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg