If you’re searching for a recipe that’s comforting, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make, this Easy Baked Pasta Casserole is your new go-to weeknight dinner. Perfectly tender pasta is coated in marinara sauce, topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
This cheesy pasta casserole is the kind of meal everyone loves—kids, adults, and even picky eaters. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet simple enough to pair with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a dish to bring to a potluck, or something cozy for Sunday supper, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients and prep make it a weeknight dinner lifesaver.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, even picky eaters won’t resist.
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Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella bakes into a bubbly golden crust everyone craves.
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Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Simple pantry staples deliver maximum flavor.
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Customizable: Easily change sauces, cheeses, or add-ins to suit your taste.
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Perfect for Entertaining: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or parties.
Ingredient Breakdown
Cooked Pasta – The base of this dish; choose shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini that hold sauce well.
Marinara Sauce – Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture; homemade or store-bought works.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey, golden crust.
Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and helps the cheese brown evenly.
Garlic Powder – Infuses the casserole with subtle garlicky warmth.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that balance the flavors.
Pro Tips
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Undercook Pasta Slightly: Since it bakes, cook pasta just shy of al dente to avoid mushiness.
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Use Quality Marinara: A flavorful sauce makes all the difference in this simple recipe.
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Don’t Skip the Olive Oil Drizzle: It helps achieve that golden-brown cheesy crust.
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Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
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Bake in Individual Dishes: Perfect for portion control and an elegant presentation.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, provolone, or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend for extra richness.
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Protein Boost: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to make it heartier.
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Veggie Version: Mix in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a lighter twist.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or garden salad for a balanced meal.
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Serve alongside garlic breadsticks or cheesy pull-apart bread for extra indulgence.
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Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.
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Offer with a small bowl of parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table so guests can customize their serving.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for quick servings. To restore crunch, reheat portions in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Baked pasta casseroles have roots in Italian cuisine, particularly dishes like baked ziti and lasagna. Over time, they became a staple of American comfort food, beloved for their affordability and ability to feed a crowd. Today, variations of baked pasta appear across many cuisines, reflecting regional tastes and traditions while still delivering that universal appeal of warm, cheesy comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to use mozzarella cheese?
Not at all! Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses will all taste great. Mozzarella just gives the classic stretchy, gooey texture.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Definitely. Browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken make excellent additions for a heartier meal.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Make sure to coat all the pasta evenly in marinara sauce before baking, and don’t overbake. Cover with foil if needed to lock in moisture.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw before baking.
Easy Baked Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or casserole pan.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta, covering it completely for that perfect cheesy crust.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese to help it melt and brown beautifully in the oven.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then serve hot with your favorite side or salad.
Notes