Name: Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, or similar); 4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces); 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) (optional); 3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort dish that brings together gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, look no further than this Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta. It’s one of those magical recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. With every bite, you’ll experience layers of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced by the tangy pasta sauce—this dish truly captures the essence of cozy, satisfying cooking in a single casserole dish.

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating that irresistible texture and flavor in your Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta. Each component adds something special—from the al dente pasta providing the perfect base, to the blend of cheeses that melts into a luscious topping. Whether you include meat or opt for a vegetarian version, these essentials will ensure your dish is bursting with flavor and color.

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.): Choose your favorite shape for great sauce absorption and a pleasant chew.
4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces): The heart of the dish, rich and tangy, it ties everything together.
4 ounces cream cheese*: Adds a creamy richness that mellows the acidity of the tomato sauce beautifully.
3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese: The ooey-gooey layer that melts to create stretchy, cheesy delight.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the whole dish.
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage)** (optional): Adds savory depth, but can easily be left out for a meatless version.

How to Make Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your pasta until it’s just slightly undercooked—about two minutes less than the package recommends. This ensures it won’t get mushy after baking and will hold its perfect firmness, or al dente, in the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Meat

While your pasta is cooking, brown the meat in a large pot if you’re using it. Then add your tomato pasta sauce to the pot. Once the mixture starts to boil and the meat is fully cooked, stir in the cream cheese until it fully melts and combines into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently to marry all the flavors.

Step 3: Grate Your Cheeses

Take a moment to grate your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses if they aren’t pre-grated already. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a beautiful fresh flavor that makes all the difference.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and toss it back into the cooking pot. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated in that rich, cheesy tomato goodness. You can also do this in the sauce pot if it’s larger—just whatever feels easier in your kitchen.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 3-quart (13×9-inch) baking dish and spoon half of the pasta mixture into the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta on top and then sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella along with the Parmesan cheese. This layering creates a perfect balance of gooey cheese throughout.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop your baking dish in a 350 degree oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Let it rest briefly before diving in.

How to Serve Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and a dash of herbal bright notes. A grind of black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil can also enhance the flavors right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last cheesy, saucy bite. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also complement the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins. This makes for a charming single-serving presentation that’s perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, you could layer it with different cheeses or add fresh spinach for a colorful variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy later.

Freezing

This pasta casserole freezes beautifully! Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming and to retain all the flavors and textures.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions for a quicker fix. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep it moist and cheesy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, ziti, or even rigatoni all work wonderfully because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully and bake well without becoming mushy.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply leave out the ground meat or substitute it with plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy days or when entertaining.

What if I want a spicier version?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle sliced jalapeños in the layers before baking for a welcome heat kick that complements the cheesy sauce beautifully.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out during baking?

Under-cooking your pasta slightly and ensuring there’s enough sauce in the mixture helps keep the casserole moist. Covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes can also trap steam and prevent drying.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is a true kitchen hero—comforting, versatile, and so easy to love. Whether you’re feeding the family or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to satisfy all those cheesy cravings with warm, hearty flavors. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender pasta baked in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with cream cheese and topped with a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a hearty dish that satisfies both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike when the meat is omitted.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, or similar)

Sauce

4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) (optional)

Cheeses

3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large sauce pot, cook pasta about 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This ensures the pasta will not be overcooked when baked later.
Prepare Sauce and Meat: While pasta cooks, brown the ground meat in a separate pan if using. In a large pot, heat the tomato pasta sauce until it boils. Add the cooked meat. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently.
Grate Cheeses: Grate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses if not pre-grated, preparing them for layering in the casserole.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the simmering sauce over the pasta and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Alternatively, combine pasta with sauce in the sauce pot.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart (13×9-inch) baking dish. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining pasta on top, then cover with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with slight browning.

Notes

You can omit the ground meat to make the dish vegetarian.
Using cream cheese adds extra creaminess to the tomato sauce.
Cook pasta slightly less than al dente as it will cook more during baking.
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with a low-moisture variety for less wateriness.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American