Ez Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Ez Pasta Bake—an effortless yet flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta smothered in rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this dish is baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and a pinch of Italian seasoning, every bite bursts with classic Italian flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this cheesy pasta casserole requires minimal prep and bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Garnish with fresh basil for a hint of freshness, and watch it become your family’s go-to pasta bake recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, sautéed garlic, ricotta cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix until well coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer, followed by half of the grated parmesan cheese.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly again.
Top the dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes on high to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil leaves if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ez Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2121 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 120.2 g | 154% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.6 g | 323% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 288 mg | 96% | |
| Sodium | 5278 mg | 230% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.0 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 125.7 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2660 mg | 205% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 619 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
