Pasta Bake Recipe: Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a classic yet universally adored dish: the pasta bake. This recipe is a surefire way to create a satisfying meal that combines the heartiness of pasta with the richness of a creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a cozy meal, this pasta bake recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this pasta bake recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that yields delicious, comforting results every time. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves pasta but wants to add a twist to the traditional spaghetti or fettuccine recipes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any leftover pasta or vegetables you have in your fridge.
Ingredients(Pasta Bake Recipe)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- Pasta: 12 oz (340g) of your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- Cooked chicken or protein: Optional. Use around 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, sausage, or ground beef for added flavor and protein.
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce for a rich tomato base.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup for creaminess.
- Cheeses: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Vegetables: Optional. Add 1-2 cups of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Garlic and onions: 2 cloves of garlic, minced, and 1 small onion, chopped, for a savory base.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the vegetables and protein.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To create this pasta bake, you’ll need:
- A large pot to cook the pasta
- A large skillet or sauté pan to cook the protein and vegetables
- A mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- A spatula or large spoon for mixing
- An oven to bake the pasta dish
Directions(Pasta Bake Recipe)
Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious pasta bake:
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the protein and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the cooked protein and vegetables, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and cooked protein and vegetables. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Oz Pasta 340g Of Your Favorite Pasta Shape, Such As Penne, Fusilli, Or Rigatoni.
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Or Protein Shredded Chicken, Sausage, Or Ground Beef For Added Flavor And Protein.
- 2 Cups Marinara Sauce: 2 Cups Of Your Favorite Marinara Sauce For A Rich Tomato Base.
- 1 Cups Heavy Cream: 1 Cup For Creaminess.
- 2 Cups Cheeses: 2 Cups Of Shredded Mozzarella And 1 Cup Of Grated Parmesan For A Melty Cheesy Topping.
- 2 Cups Vegetables: Optional. Add 1-2 Cups Of Vegetables Such As Bell Peppers Mushrooms, Spinach, Or Zucchini For Extra Nutrients And Flavor.
- 2 Garlic And Onions: 2 Cloves Of Garlic Minced, And 1 Small Onion, Chopped, For A Savory Base.
- Seasonings: Salt Black Pepper, And Italian Seasoning To Taste.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: 2 Tablespoons For Cooking The Vegetables And Protein.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the protein and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the cooked protein and vegetables, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and cooked protein and vegetables. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a delicious meal anytime.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. For drinks, consider serving with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio.
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FAQ (Pasta Bake Recipe)
Q1: How long does it take to make Pasta Bake Recipe? A: The Pasta Bake Recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling roughly 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Q2: Can I customize the Pasta Bake Recipe with different ingredients? A: Absolutely! Pasta Bake Recipe is versatile and can be customized with various vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Q3: How do I store leftovers of Pasta Bake Recipe? A: Leftovers of Pasta Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
Q4: Can I make Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Q5: Is Pasta Bake Recipe suitable for vegetarians? A: Pasta Bake Recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Conclusion and Call to Action
This pasta bake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s easy to customize to your preferences and always delivers on taste. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips! Happy cooking!
