The Ultimate Cheese Lovers Baked Pasta Recipe Everyone Adores

Melty, gooey cheese lovers baked pasta brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Comfort food reaches new heights through this delightful combination of creamy textures and bold flavors.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this easy-to-prepare dish that satisfies every craving.

Layers of rich ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste in each delectable bite.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal.

What Makes This Baked Pasta a Cheese Lover’s Dream

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delightful dish in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding proteins like ground beef or chicken, or swap cheeses to match your family's taste preferences and keep everyone excited about dinner.
• Stress-Free Entertainment: Impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties with a restaurant-quality pasta dish that looks and tastes like you spent all day preparing it.

Ultimate Baked Pasta Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Backbone of the dish, provides hearty base and texture. Best with short shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, rich cheese blend that creates luxurious flavor and melty texture. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds tangy, bright flavor to the dish. Select a robust, well-seasoned sauce.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to cheese mixture. Full-fat version recommended.

• Basil, Oregano: Provides classic Italian herb profile and aromatic depth. Fresh herbs preferred over dried.
• Garlic: Offers sharp, pungent flavor that complements cheese. Fresh garlic cloves best.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat and spice.

• Olive Oil or Non-Stick Spray: Used for greasing baking dish to prevent sticking.

Baked Pasta for Cheese Lovers Cooking Plan

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick magic or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Perfection

Boil a big pot of water with a generous pinch of salt.

Toss in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite.

Drain and set aside, ready for cheesy action.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until it becomes a smooth, creamy mixture that screams deliciousness.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Dance

Grab a large bowl and mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce.

Pour in the cheese blend and toss until every single pasta piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Prepare

Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

For those who love a little kick, scatter some red pepper flakes across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pull out the masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes.

Scatter some fresh chopped basil on top for a final touch of flavor.

Dive in and enjoy your cheesy pasta paradise!

Baking Tips for the Cheese Lovers Dream Pasta

• Mix different cheese varieties like fontina, gruyere, or provolone for a more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to lock in moisture and ensure a creamy, luscious texture.
• Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to transform this into a hearty one-pan meal that satisfies larger appetites.
• Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Baked Pasta Storage That Keeps It Cheesy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring it stays good for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover pasta with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining its creamy texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Great Sides for Baked Pasta Delight

• Pair Wine with Cheesy Depth: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the rich, creamy cheese and complements the tomato sauce's acidity.
• Match Herbal Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Create Crisp Green Salad Balance: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and provide a zesty counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy pasta dish.
• Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Add a chilled prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the mouth between bites and cut through the richness of the baked pasta.

Baked Pasta with Cheese in More Ways

• Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or ziti made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Veggie Protein Power: Swap marinara sauce with roasted vegetable marinara and add plant-based protein like cubed tofu or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that's keto-friendly and nutritious.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Dream: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives made from cashews or almond milk, combined with nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheese-like experience.

FAQs

• What cheeses work best in this baked pasta recipe?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are perfect choices. These cheeses provide creamy texture, rich flavor, and great meltability that create a delicious and smooth pasta dish.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and bake when ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This baked pasta recipe contains no meat, making it an excellent vegetarian option. The combination of cheeses and marinara sauce provides plenty of flavor and protein.

• How can I add more protein to this recipe?

You can easily incorporate protein by adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu or lentils to the pasta mixture before baking. These additions will enhance the nutritional value without compromising the cheesy goodness.

Cheese Lovers Baked Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cheese Blast Pasta combines Italian culinary magic with creamy, rich layers of melted goodness. Comfort meets gourmet in this irresistible dish you’ll crave after just one delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Finishing Touches:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light olive oil coating or non-stick spray.
2. Transform pasta into a delectable foundation by submerging in vigorously boiling, salted water until achieving an al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
3. Craft a luxurious cheese amalgamation by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, minced garlic, fragrant herbs, and seasonings into a harmonious blend.
4. Marry the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, gently folding the creamy cheese mixture throughout to ensure comprehensive coverage.
5. Ceremoniously transfer the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of deliciousness.
6. Lavish the surface with remaining mozzarella, optionally scattering red pepper flakes for a subtle heat accent.
7. Nestle the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the creation to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, effervescent landscape.
8. Extract from the oven, permitting a brief cooling moment before adorning with freshly chopped basil and presenting this culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a delightful texture that holds up during the final baking process.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing cheese to set and create those irresistible stretchy pulls.
• Customize Your Delight: Swap marinara for vodka sauce or add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or roasted vegetables to transform this dish into a personalized comfort meal.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: Use gluten-free pasta, plant-based cheese alternatives, and dairy-free cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests without compromising rich, creamy flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg