Get ready to roll up your sleeves and indulge in the ultimate comfort food explosion with this Italian Pasta Bake! Perfect for those nights when your brain needs a break and your taste buds are screaming “feed me!” This recipe is like a warm hug for your stomach – cheesy, creamy, and just downright delicious.
Italian Pasta Bake
Don your chef’s hat (or just your favorite apron), because we’re about to dive into the culinary adventure of a lifetime. Let’s get cheesy!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne or rotini works wonders)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought – we don’t judge!)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (the creamy dream of every Italian dish)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (the more, the merrier, I say)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because fancy cheese makes everything better)
- 2 cups cooked Italian sausage or ground beef (optional, but why leave out the fun?)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is life)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (just sprinkle it like you mean it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients in hand, it’s time to whip up some magic!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure it’s hotter than your last Tinder date!
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it; it has a future in the oven!
- In a big ol’ mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, sausage (if you’re using it), garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up like it’s a crazy party.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out like it’s a relaxing day on the beach.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle some Parmesan on top because we’re feeling fancy!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melting and bubbling like your favorite sitcom. Trust me, the smell will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
- Once done, let it sit for a few minutes (if you can resist) before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for that extra pop of pizzazz!
And there you have it! An Italian Pasta Bake that’s comforting, cheesy, and bound to impress anyone who dares to taste it. Serve it up at dinner, and prepare for the raving reviews. Good luck keeping your friends and family away from seconds!