Three Cheese Baked Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Baked Pasta—a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This recipe layers tender penne pasta with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all smothered in a rich, garlic-infused marinara sauce. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s a delightful medley of textures and flavors in every bite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and simple steps, this make-ahead favorite will become a staple in your repertoire. Top it off with fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness, and serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast. Perfect for families, meal prep, or potlucks—dive into the decadence of this three cheese sensation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the pasta mixture over the marinara sauce, followed by 1 cup of marinara sauce and half of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Add the second half of the pasta mixture, the remaining marinara sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.9 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.5 g | 332% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 391 mg | 130% | |
| Sodium | 6397 mg | 278% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 382.0 g | 139% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.1 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 179.7 g | 359% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3600 mg | 277% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 1223 mg | 26% | |
*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.
