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Easy Baked Pasta Casserole Cheesy Comfort Food
Emily

Easy Baked Pasta Casserole

A comforting weeknight dinner that combines pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella baked to perfection. Simple, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish or casserole pan
  • spoon for mixing

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or casserole pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta, covering it completely for that perfect cheesy crust.
  5. Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese to help it melt and brown beautifully in the oven.
  6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then serve hot with your favorite side or salad.

Notes

Switch it up by adding cooked vegetables, Italian sausage, or leftover chicken for extra protein. For a spicier kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before baking.