A cherished recipe for pasta bake is something I hold dear—and who wouldn’t? They are the satisfying combination of ease and comfort.

In this article, you will find 15 different pasta bakes that you can fix with the minimum of fuss. From the Cookie Monster’s dark and creamy version to the those-slightly-more-classy Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake, with its almost laughably fresh flavors, these dishes run the gambit from smoky to cheesy to savory to fresh.

They’re all oven-ready, and they’re all crowd-pleasers.

The 15 Best pasta bake recipes

1. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Pasta Bake with Cheesy Chicken Alfredo combines cooked chicken, penne pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, it is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Stir and return to a boil. Boil uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite. Drain well and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the shredded chicken and cook until the chicken is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Pour into a baking dish.

4. Disperse mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Serve warm.

2. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

Pasta Bake with Spinach and Ricotta is a comforting dish that you can make with penne or rigatoni, oozing with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach that you barely notice the melted, gooey mozzarella (dripping with more cheese that you hardly notice the minced spinach). It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s dressed to the nines (nines=more nutrition than you realize).

Ingredients

300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
250g ricotta cheese
400g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
100g grated mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it heat up. Prepare the pasta by following the package instructions. It should cook until it has reached the al dente stage. When it is finished cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

2. In a big frying pan, cook the onion and garlic until they are tender. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from the heat and mix in the ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Mix the pasta with the ricotta and spinach. Put everything into a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.

4. Preheat the oven to the temperature called for in the recipe. Then, put the dish in the oven. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the cheese is at the optimal melted, bubbly, and slightly golden state. Serve it hot for the best results.

3. Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

Create a cozy Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake using uncomplicated ingredients such as pasta, tuna, frozen peas, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese. This simple, oven-baked dish is ideal for a hectic weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

300g pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
2 cans (about 320g) tuna, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1 can (400g) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a big pot, bring some salted water to a boil and then add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it is still slightly firm to the bite. This should take about 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta well.

2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gather the tuna-salad ingredients. Use a fork to flake the tuna. Stir in the peas, soup, and oregano. Then season with salt and pepper and mix it all together. If it’s too dry for your taste, mix in more soup or add some mayonnaise.

3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded cheese.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

4. BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

A delicious BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake is what I make, taking tender, shredded chicken flavored with smoky BBQ sauce and penne pasta; then I introduce it to sautéed red onion and sweet bell peppers, melting a thick layer of mozzarella cheese over the entire dish and garnishing it with fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the pasta as directed on the package, cooking it until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. In a sizable mixing bowl, blend the cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, and bell pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well bound by the sauce.

3. In a greased baking dish, layer the pasta that has been cooked, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, and finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Cheese is good and all, but it can get a little one-note sometimes. Add a splash of citrus or a sprinkle of something spicy, and suddenly, it’s complex and wonderful. You could do this with your life, too, just so you know.

5. Veggie Lovers’ Pasta Bake Recipe

Presenting the Pasta Bake for Vegetable Enthusiasts: a nutritious offering of penne, zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and marinara sauce, finished off with a bubbling layer of mozzarella for a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients

300g penne pasta
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare your oven by setting it to 375°F (190°C). Follow the package directions for the penne pasta, cooking it until it is al dente. When the pasta reaches that point, drain it and set it aside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the pasta, zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and marinara sauce. You want to toss these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the sauce.

3. Pour the combination into a greased baking dish. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the top.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake in the oven that has been preheated for 20-25 minutes. The finished product will be bubbly and may look like it has darkened a little, but it shouldn’t be burnt. It should hold its shape and should be completely set, meaning it won’t be runny in the middle when you cut into it. When you first take it out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

6. Italian Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

Penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and the creamy goodness of ricotta baked to perfection and topped with an herby oil drizzle: this is what the Italian Sausage Pasta Bake is like. And if that isn’t enough, it’s also amply infused with a blend of melty mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, both of which marry the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

Italian sausage (about 1 pound)
Penne pasta (12 ounces)
Marinara sauce (2 cups)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)#

Instructions

1. Adjust your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and place to the side while you prepare the next steps.

2. In a spacious frying pan over medium heat, prepare the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks and to ensure even browning. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.

3. In a sizable mixing bowl, blend together the pasta, the sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Combine these ingredients until they are evenly mixed.

4. Grease a baking dish, and transfer the pasta mixture to it. Now take the rest of the mozzarella and the Parmesan, and sprinkle them on top. Then it’s time to bake and wait. Put everything in the preheated oven (350 degrees F) for about 20-25 minutes. When the cheese is melted, and the dish looks bubbling and hot, it is done. If you want, you can garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

7. Baked Ziti Pasta Bake Recipe

Ziti pasta, along with ground beef and marinara sauce, is baked in a comforting casserole that is topped with a blend of cheeses: mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. The Ziti Pasta Bake is a cozy, creamy, oh-so-satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the ziti pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente; drain and hold next to the oven.

2. In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer for 5 minutes.

3. In a sizable mixing bowl, blend the cooked ziti, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Mix thoroughly.

4. In a baking dish, greased 9×13 inches, layer half the mixture of ziti. Then, top it with half the meat sauce, and repeat the layering. Next, put on top the remains of mozzarella and Parmesan, those heavenly curds. Then, the dish goes into the oven, preheated to 350 degrees, for anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes. This is a very forgiving dish. Serve hot, anyway you like.

8. Caprese Pasta Bake Recipe

The delicious blend of Italian flavors found in a Caprese Pasta Bake takes them to a whole new level. Now, the very essence of a Caprese salad—its mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze—has been transported and lovingly married with a penne pasta shape, baking dish, and an oven.

Ingredients:
Mozzarella cheese, cubed
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh basil leaves
Penne pasta
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is firm to the bite. Drain and keep it aside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, stir together the thoroughly cooked pasta, the 1/2-inch cubes of fresh mozzarella, the toasted and halved cherry tomatoes, and the minced garlic. Add the very finely sliced basil leaves, along with a generous drizzle of olive oil, and toss everything together.

3. Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

4. Before serving, allow to cool somewhat. If you wish, you can add some more fresh basil as a garnish. Then dig in and enjoy!

9. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

The combination of cooked chicken, pasta, a tangy sauce, and cheese makes a cozy and comforting dish. The Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a riff on that idea but brings a spicy, zippy new flavor to the plate.

And since it calls for rotini or penne pasta, this dish also happens to be a great way to use up any pasta you have lying around.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C), and a 9×13 inch baking dish should be greased.

2. Prepare the pasta per the manufacturer’s directions. When the pasta is done and just firm enough (al dente) that you wouldn’t want to bake it in a casserole, drain the pasta in a colander. Then return the pasta to the pot.

3. Mix the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in the pot with the pasta.

4. Move the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish; put it all in that dish. You want the dish to be filled with the pasta mix. Top the mix with all the remaining cheddar cheese. Put the baking dish into the oven and set the timer for between 20 and 25 minutes from now. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese when you go to pull it from the oven. If you want to, you can now chop some green onions to use as a garnish when you serve the dish.

10. Four Cheese Pasta Bake Recipe

Uncover the soothing nature of a pasta bake that combines four different kinds of cheese. Penne or rigatoni swathed in marinara sauce and bathed in a blend of not just one or two but four different kinds of cheese make for a wonderful casserole.

Mozzarella, cheddar, ricotta, and Parmesan combine for an almost ridiculous richness that is hard to top.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the pasta by following the package instructions until it is cooked to an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and hold it to the side.

2. In a big bowl, blend the cooked noodles with the marinara sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, and ricotta cheeses. Mix thoroughly and well, making sure the noodles are evenly hobbits buddy with sauce and cheese.

3. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbling with goodness. Cool for a few minutes before serving, and watch it disappear before your eyes!

11. Classic Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe

Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake is a hearty casserole of ground beef, aromatic oregano, and rich chopped tomatoes, mixed with pasta and topped with melted mozzarella. This dish has its roots in American cuisine; it is not unlike a lasagna you might find in a Midwestern church basement.

Ingredients

300g pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
500g ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
100g grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the pasta in well-salted boiling water, following the directions on the package. Once done, pour the pasta into a colander, let it drain, and set it aside.

3. In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; sauté until softened.

4. Incorporate the diced tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for about 10 minutes and then combine with the cooked pasta and transfer it to a baking dish. Top with the mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes or until it is melted and bubbly.

12. Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This pasta bake takes cooked chicken, penne pasta, and colorful cherry tomatoes and combines them with pesto sauce to create something very, very good. The warm, satisfying meal, which also features melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, is just what you want on a chilly winter evening.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
3 cups penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 cup pesto sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with grease.

2. In a big bowl, combine the following ingredients: the cooked chicken, the cooked pasta, the pesto sauce, and the halved cherry tomatoes. Mix everything together until it is well combined.

3. The mixture should be poured into the baking dish that has been previously prepared, and then it should be topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy warm!

13. Bacon and Leek Pasta Bake Recipe

This pasta bake with bacon and leeks is a comforting and satisfying dish. Tender leeks and crispy bacon combine with pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

The melty masterpiece is baked until golden and bubbly, just the way a pasta bake should be.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
2 cups grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have not done so yet, prepare the pasta according to the package’s directions. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and put it to the side.

2. In a big frying pan, prepare the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crisp. Take it out of the pan and put it aside, but leave all that lovely bacon fat in the pan.

3. The sliced leeks go into the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until they are tender and see-through, around 5 minutes.

4. In a big bowl, combine the already-cooked pasta, bacon, leeks, cheese, cream, salt, and pepper. Make sure to stir it up well, then dump it into a baking dish. You’ll want to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the dish for 20-25 minutes. You can tell it’s done when it’s bubbling and has a gorgeous golden crust on top. Serve up individual portions while it’s still hot.

14. Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake Recipe

14. Pasta Bake with Mushrooms and Spinach takes either penne or fusilli as its base and adds to it a layer of fresh spinach, garlic, cream, and a top layer of grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese before sending it to the oven.

Unlike many oven-baked pasta dishes, this one doesn’t have a sauce that gets poured over the pasta before baking. Instead, the sauce stays on the bottom layer, allowing the pasta to absorb its flavors while baking.

Ingredients

250g pasta (penne or fusilli)
200g mushrooms, sliced
100g fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
300ml cream or milk
100g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to heat up while you cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente; it will continue to cook during baking. Drain, then set aside, mixing it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking together if desired.

2. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic and mushrooms in a bit of oil until the mushrooms are tender. Add the spinach and cook until it’s wilted.

3. Mix in the cream or milk and heat until it simmers. Add the pasta and half of the cheese, stirring until it’s all together and reasonably well combined.

4. Pour the blend into a casserole, crown it with the remaining fromage, and slide it into the inferno for 15-20 minutes. When the top is bubbly and a bronzed hue, it is ready to serve.

15. Vegan Lentil Pasta Bake Recipe

Discover a hearty Vegan Lentil Pasta Bake featuring cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, and oregano. This comforting meal brings together the basic ingredients of olive oil, onion, and your choice of pasta for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked lentils
1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
12 oz of pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat. Prepare the pasta per the directions given on the package. However, when the pasta has not fully cooked, drain it (2-3 minutes before the time is up), so it can finish cooking in the oven with the other ingredients.

2. Using a large skillet, set over medium heat, and warm the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and allow to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and just beginning to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, lentils, and dried oregano. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Blend the undercooked pasta with the lentil and tomato combo, giving it a good stir so that the pasta is evenly coated. Scrape everything into a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil.

4. In a preheated oven, bake for 20 minutes. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp slightly. Serve warm.