Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta
A comforting and easy-to-make baked pasta dish, perfect for family dinners with a blend of cheeses and marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
- 2 cups Cheese Blend (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan) Mozzarella for creaminess, cheddar for flavor, and parmesan for a touch of sharpness.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese For extra creaminess; can be replaced with ricotta.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, diced Or use shallots for a milder taste.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Feel free to add your favorite herbs like basil or oregano.
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Optional, for a crispy topping; panko works well too.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water, adding your pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed onions, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and half of your cheese blend. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference!
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese blend and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added nutrients, consider adding vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also mix in cooked chicken or sausage for a protein boost.