Italian Pasta Bake Recipe
Cheesy, hearty, and packed with Italian flavors, this easy pasta bake is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for cooking the meat sauce
- 9x13-inch baking dish or similar-sized ovenproof dish
- Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)
- Mixing bowl (for combining pasta and sauce)
- Grater (for Parmesan and mozzarella cheese)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering the dish while baking)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz 340 g penne or ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese optional for creaminess
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the tomato ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add in the ricotta cheese (if using) and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a large, greased baking dish (9x13-inch or similar size). Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, you can also add a light sprinkling of Italian breadcrumbs for some extra crunch.
- Bake the pasta bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy! Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.
Notes
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef or sausage.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.