5 Delicious Pasta Bake Recipes You'll Love

Are you craving something warm and comforting that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further because we've rounded up 5 delicious pasta bake recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a weeknight meal or a dish for a gathering, these pasta bakes will become your new go-to recipes.

1. Creamy Mac and Cheese Bake

Nothing beats a classic like Mac and Cheese. Here’s how to make a creamy, baked version that will satisfy your comfort food cravings:

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ tsp mustard powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until just al dente, then drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add the mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat, stir in most of the cheddar, all of the mozzarella, and Parmesan, saving a small amount for topping.
6. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

💡 Note: For an extra touch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy finish!

2. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

This vegetarian pasta bake is hearty and satisfying:

• 1 box lasagna noodles (or 16 cannelloni tubes)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the noodles until al dente, drain and lay flat on a kitchen towel to dry.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, half of the Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. If using lasagna noodles, cut them into squares. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the noodles or cannelloni tubes, then roll or fill accordingly.
5. Pour half the marinara sauce into a baking dish, then lay the filled noodles on top.
6. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Cheesy Beef and Pasta Casserole

For a robust meal with a meaty twist, try this beef and pasta casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet, simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Mix cottage cheese with sour cream in a bowl.
5. Layer noodles, beef mixture, and then the cottage cheese mixture in a baking dish. Repeat layers, topping with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.

🌟 Note: This recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd or frozen for future meals.

4. Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Blend Italian flavors with this Tuscan chicken pasta bake:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add chicken, and cook until no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil, cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta, transfer to a baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

5. Lasagna Roll-Ups

Give your traditional lasagna a twist with these lasagna roll-ups:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup spinach, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain, and lay flat.
3. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, spinach, and if using, cooked meat in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Spoon filling along each noodle, roll up, and place seam side down in the dish.
6. Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

These five pasta bake recipes showcase the versatility of pasta dishes, making them perfect for any meal or celebration. They offer something for everyone, from creamy and cheesy to hearty and meat-filled options. Whether you're hosting dinner guests or just looking for a cozy family meal, these dishes are sure to impress and satisfy.

Can these pasta bakes be made ahead of time?

+

Yes, most pasta bakes can be assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then increase baking time by about 15-20 minutes if baking from cold. Make sure to let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for a more even cook.

What are some good vegetarian options for pasta bakes?

+

The Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is naturally vegetarian, but you can also substitute meat in other recipes with vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, or additional cheeses for a rich flavor.

Can I freeze pasta bakes?

+

Absolutely! Bake the dish, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.