Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
When the weather cools down, and the idea of a warm meal becomes a delight, this baked pasta with cheese recipe is the perfect answer. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, maybe a Caesar or a simple arugula toss with lemon vinaigrette. A slice of garlic bread on the side is always a good idea. Both the refreshing salad and the warm, cheesy pasta create the ultimate comfort meal. But seriously, who can resist a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness?
Baked pasta is a classic comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly. It's the kind of dish that claims its place in family dinners and gatherings, all while being easy enough for weeknight meals. This recipe takes your traditional baked pasta and gives it a cheesy twist without complicating your life in the kitchen. The melted, gooey cheese paired with pasta loaded with flavor makes every single bite a joy. So, grab your apron; let’s make some mouthwatering baked pasta!
Greek Green Beans Fasolakia Recipe
Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves Yalanci Dolma
Baked pasta with cheese is a dish where pasta, often initial cooked, gets combined with a cheesy, creamy sauce and then baked until bubbly on top. Think of it as the cozy cousin of lasagna but without all the layers and fuss. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cheesy delight that everyone will rave about.
The magic lies in the ingredients and how they blend together. The combination of pasta with a luscious sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and sour cream gives a richness that balances perfectly with the sharpness of mozzarella. Garlic adds a layer of flavor, which wakes up your taste buds, while a hint of fresh basil or chopped spinach can elevate the dish even further. Each component works together to create an explosion of flavor and comfort.
- 12-16 ounces penne pasta (or choose your favorite)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (go for your favorite brand and flavor)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese (to add a salty tang)
- 8 ounces cottage cheese (you can use low-fat)
- 8 ounces sour cream (low-fat also works)
- 5 cloves garlic, pressed for flavor
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (a hint of herbal flavor)
Ingredients From :crazyforcrust.com
Let’s dive right into making a dish that’s not just simple but downright delicious. Grab your ingredients, and we'll break the process down into bite-sized steps that even the busiest of cooks can follow.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake your pasta dish. While that's warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial for flavor, so don't skimp!
Add your penne pasta to the boiling water, cooking it according to the package instructions until it's al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy later on.
In a mixing bowl—or even back in the pasta pot—combine the marinara sauce, cottage cheese, sour cream, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Don’t forget to add half of your mozzarella cheese and the oregano. This will help create that creamy, cheesy sauce!
Gently fold the drained pasta into your cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated with the sauce. This step is key to getting all that flavor into every bite!
Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Don’t be shy; get every bit in there! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-25 minutes. You want to look for that golden, bubbly top—the sign that everything is cooked through and ready to serve. When the cheese is melted and a little browned, you're in business.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven. And, of course, leftovers are great, too!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheese and high-quality marinara elevate the dish significantly.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prep the dish a day in advance. Just cover it and stick it in the fridge. Bake when you're ready for it!
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick.
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Try blending Italian cheeses like provolone or parmesan with mozzarella for a more diverse flavor.
To store any leftover baked pasta, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven for that freshly baked texture.
This baked pasta packs a balanced punch, offering carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the cheese and cottage cheese, and some fat from the sour cream. Each serving has about 450 calories, making it hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to not weigh you down. Pair it with a salad for a full meal.
1. With Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside; it’s perfect for dipping in that cheesy goodness.
2. Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside a tray of seasonal roasted vegetables. It adds not only color but also nutrition.
4. Wine Pairing: A light red or a chilled white wine can elevate your dining experience.
5. As a Leftover Delight: Reheat and serve with a fried egg on top for breakfast. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
1. Pasta: Swap the penne for rotini or even gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
2. Marinara Sauce: Use any other flavor of pasta sauce or even a homemade sauce if you’ve got one on hand.
3. Cottage Cheese: Ricotta can stand in well here for a creamier texture.
4. Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can substitute, offering a similar tang but a little more protein.
5. Mozzarella: Any melty cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack could work in a pinch and add a different flavor profile.
Baked pasta with cheese is truly a comforting, delicious meal that brings smiles around the table. Whether it's a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With endless possibilities for customization, you’ll never get bored making it. So grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and you'll have a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that warms everyone’s hearts. Happy cooking!
Baked pasta is a classic comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly. It's the kind of dish that claims its place in family dinners and gatherings, all while being easy enough for weeknight meals. This recipe takes your traditional baked pasta and gives it a cheesy twist without complicating your life in the kitchen. The melted, gooey cheese paired with pasta loaded with flavor makes every single bite a joy. So, grab your apron; let’s make some mouthwatering baked pasta!
Servings 6
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheese and high-quality marinara elevate the dish significantly.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prep the dish a day in advance. Just cover it and stick it in the fridge. Bake when you're ready for it!
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick.
- Mix Up the Cheeses: Try blending Italian cheeses like provolone or parmesan with mozzarella for a more diverse flavor.
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.