Cheesy Weeknight Baked Pasta Easy Family Favorite

January 3, 2026August 13, 2025 by Amanda

Looking for a fast and cheesy dinner that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Weeknight Baked Pasta is your answer! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Whether you want to customize it with meats or keep it vegetarian, this dish is flexible and fun. Let’s dive into my favorite recipe that makes weeknight meals stress-free and full of flavor!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich and creamy texture that everyone will love.
Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or proteins like spinach, ground beef, or chicken to make it your own.
Comfort Food Classic: Baked pasta is a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

To make Cheesy Weeknight Baked Pasta, you need these main items:

– 12 oz. penne pasta

– 2 cups marinara sauce

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The blend of cheeses adds layers of flavor, while the pasta gives it a hearty touch.

Optional Ingredients and Seasonings

You can customize your dish with these optional items:

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat

– Other herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor

These extra seasonings can help you tailor the dish to your taste. You can add more or less of these spices based on your family’s preferences.

Recommended Cheese Variations

For a twist on the classic, try these cheese choices:

– Fontina for a creamy texture

– Gouda for a smoky flavor

– Cheddar for a sharp kick

These cheeses can change the taste of your baked pasta. Mixing different cheeses can lead to exciting new flavors, so feel free to experiment!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven helps the dish cook evenly. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz. of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook! Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Mixing the Sauce and Cheese

In a big mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Add half of the shredded mozzarella, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. For some heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This sauce is creamy and packed with flavor.

Assembling the Baked Pasta Dish

Now, gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce mixture. Make sure every piece of penne gets coated with that delicious sauce. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. To top it off, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. This topping will create a cheesy crust.

Baking Process and Timing

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden top. Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time lets the flavors mix well. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves for a nice touch.

Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Overcooking the Pasta

To avoid overcooking the penne pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, checking it a minute or two before the time is up. You want it al dente, meaning firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside right away. This keeps it from cooking further in the hot water.

Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices can make your baked pasta even better. I love using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in this dish. These add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright touch. A pinch of salt and pepper balances the flavors too. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect blend!

Making it Easier: One-Pot Variations

If you want a simpler way to make this dish, try a one-pot method. You can cook the pasta in the same pot with the sauce. Start by adding the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Then, stir in the ricotta and seasonings. Cover it and cook on low heat until the pasta is tender. Finish with cheese on top and place it under the broiler to melt. This saves time and cleanup!

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as fontina or gouda for added flavor complexity.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the sauce for an extra layer of freshness.
Storage Savvy: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil!

Variations

Meat Additions (e.g., Sausage, Chicken)

You can add meat for more flavor and protein. Try cooked sausage or chicken. Brown the sausage in a pan. For chicken, grill or bake it first. Chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing in. This will make your dish heartier.

Vegetarian Options (e.g., Spinach, Mushrooms)

For a veggie twist, add spinach or mushrooms. Fresh spinach wilts well in the pasta. Just stir it in before baking. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste. Sauté them first for better flavor. Both options make your meal colorful and healthy.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now. Ensure your sauce is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. Adjust cooking times based on the pasta package instructions.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

Store your baked pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing for Future Meals

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta. Try rotini, ziti, or shells. Each type will change the texture. A good rule is to pick pasta that holds sauce well. Cook it to al dente to avoid mushy pasta after baking.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. These options add heat without changing the dish’s core flavors. Start with a little spice and taste as you go.

What sides pair well with baked pasta?

Baked pasta goes well with fresh salads. A simple green salad works nicely. Garlic bread is also a great choice. You could even serve steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Keep it light to balance the cheesy pasta.

Baked pasta is easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the main ingredients, optional extras, and the best cheese choices. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and baking. You now have tips to enhance flavor and avoid overcooking. We discussed tasty variations for meat lovers and vegetarians. Lastly, I provided storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. With this guide, you can create a delicious baked pasta that fits any taste. Enjoy your cooking adventur

$To make Cheesy Weeknight Baked Pasta, you need these main items: - 12 oz. penne pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The blend of cheeses adds layers of flavor, while the pasta gives it a hearty touch. You can customize your dish with these optional items: - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat - Other herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor These extra seasonings can help you tailor the dish to your taste. You can add more or less of these spices based on your family’s preferences. For a twist on the classic, try these cheese choices: - Fontina for a creamy texture - Gouda for a smoky flavor - Cheddar for a sharp kick These cheeses can change the taste of your baked pasta. Mixing different cheeses can lead to exciting new flavors, so feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven helps the dish cook evenly. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz. of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook! Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a big mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Add half of the shredded mozzarella, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. For some heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This sauce is creamy and packed with flavor. Now, gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce mixture. Make sure every piece of penne gets coated with that delicious sauce. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. To top it off, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. This topping will create a cheesy crust. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden top. Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time lets the flavors mix well. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To avoid overcooking the penne pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, checking it a minute or two before the time is up. You want it al dente, meaning firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside right away. This keeps it from cooking further in the hot water. Herbs and spices can make your baked pasta even better. I love using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in this dish. These add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright touch. A pinch of salt and pepper balances the flavors too. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect blend! If you want a simpler way to make this dish, try a one-pot method. You can cook the pasta in the same pot with the sauce. Start by adding the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Then, stir in the ricotta and seasonings. Cover it and cook on low heat until the pasta is tender. Finish with cheese on top and place it under the broiler to melt. This saves time and cleanup! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent it from becoming mushy. Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as fontina or gouda for added flavor complexity. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the sauce for an extra layer of freshness. Storage Savvy: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil! {{image_4}} You can add meat for more flavor and protein. Try cooked sausage or chicken. Brown the sausage in a pan. For chicken, grill or bake it first. Chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing in. This will make your dish heartier. For a veggie twist, add spinach or mushrooms. Fresh spinach wilts well in the pasta. Just stir it in before baking. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste. Sauté them first for better flavor. Both options make your meal colorful and healthy. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now. Ensure your sauce is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. Adjust cooking times based on the pasta package instructions. Store your baked pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider freezing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use other pasta. Try rotini, ziti, or shells. Each type will change the texture. A good rule is to pick pasta that holds sauce well. Cook it to al dente to avoid mushy pasta after baking. To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. These options add heat without changing the dish's core flavors. Start with a little spice and taste as you go. Baked pasta goes well with fresh salads. A simple green salad works nicely. Garlic bread is also a great choice. You could even serve steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Keep it light to balance the cheesy pasta. Baked pasta is easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the main ingredients, optional extras, and the best cheese choices. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and baking. You now have tips to enhance flavor and avoid overcooking. We discussed tasty variations for meat lovers and vegetarians. Lastly, I provided storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. With this guide, you can create a delicious baked pasta that fits any taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$