One-Pan Cheesy Pasta Bake
Relive the nostalgic taste of a beloved childhood pasta bake without the hassle of boiling! This One-Pan Cheesy Pasta Bake combines the flavors of your favorite jarred tomato sauce with al dente pasta, baked to perfection and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple meal for college students, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and is incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with proteins, spices, or your favorite veggies. Your family will love the creamy, cheesy satisfaction of a warm pasta bake, making it an unforgettable dish for any occasion!
6
Servings
267
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
16 ounces (Uncooked (Rigatoni, Penne, Rotini, or Ziti))
Jarred Tomato Sauce
24 ounces (Ready to use)
Water
24 ounces (Use the empty sauce jar)
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a 13 x 9 inch baking pan, combine the uncooked pasta, the entire jar of tomato sauce, and one jar filled with water (24 ounces). Stir to combine.
3
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam while cooking.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir well to prevent sticking.
5
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender.
6
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder and Italian seasoning during the initial mixing stage. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking for added richness and browning.
7
For added protein, feel free to incorporate small frozen meatballs or browned ground beef into the pasta mixture before baking.
Nutrition Information
7
Fat
40
Carbs
13
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the pasta before making the One-Pan Cheesy Pasta Bake?
No, the pasta is added to the pan uncooked and will cook in the sauce and water mixture during the baking process.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13 x 9 inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
How much water should I add to the pasta bake?
You should add 24 ounces of water, which is the equivalent of one empty tomato sauce jar.
What types of pasta work best for this bake?
Rigatoni, Penne, Rotini, or Ziti are recommended pasta shapes for this dish.
How long does the pasta bake in the oven?
The total baking time is between 40 to 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered, followed by 10-15 minutes uncovered after adding cheese.
Why do I need to cover the pan with aluminum foil?
Tightly covering the pan with foil traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the uncooked pasta.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
The shredded mozzarella is added after the first 30 minutes of baking and after the mixture has been stirred.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add small frozen meatballs or browned ground beef to the pasta mixture before baking for added protein.
What extra seasonings can I add for more flavor?
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese are great additions for an extra flavor boost.
Is this recipe suitable for college students?
Yes, it is ideal for college students because it requires minimal cleanup and uses simple ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
There are 267 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of protein.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and you can incorporate your favorite vegetables before baking.
How much pasta is needed for one batch?
You will need 16 ounces of uncooked pasta.
Do I need to stir the pasta during baking?
Yes, after the first 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking before adding the cheese.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, it is designed to taste like a nostalgic childhood favorite and is generally loved by families.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 7 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is recommended for melting, you can add Parmesan for richness or experiment with other favorites.
What is the main advantage of this one-pan method?
The main advantage is the minimal cleanup since you do not need to boil a separate pot of water.
Does this recipe include sugar or sodium information?
The current data does not specify the sugar or sodium content.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe calls for one 24-ounce jar of ready-to-use tomato sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish perfect for comfort food cravings.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include easy dinner, one-dish meal, pasta bake, cheesy pasta, kid-friendly, and quick meal.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, small frozen meatballs can be stirred in before baking to add protein.
Do I need to cook the ground beef before adding it?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned before being incorporated into the pasta mixture.
How do I ensure the pasta is tender?
Ensure the pan is covered tightly with foil for the first 30 minutes and bake for the full recommended time.
What is the texture of the finished pasta?
When baked correctly, the pasta should be al dente and perfectly tender.