Get ready to cozy up with a comforting bowl of creamy baked pasta! There’s nothing quite like the combination of al dente noodles, rich sauce, and melted cheese to warm your heart (and belly). Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered. From decadent four-cheese baked ziti to creamy broccoli and cheddar shells, these 20 mouthwatering recipes are sure to become new family favorites.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of creamy baked pasta, highlighting some of our most beloved and indulgent creations. With a mix of classic Italian dishes, creative twists, and unexpected flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab a fork, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
Four Cheese Baked Ziti
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and satisfying recipe that combines the flavors of four different cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional mozzarella cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and tender pasta shells. This recipe yields a rich and satisfying main course perfect for special occasions or weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg; mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish; cover with marinara sauce.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Alfredo Baked Penne
Elevate your pasta game with this comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce, the juiciness of chicken, and the convenience of baking. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
4. Combine cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, and chicken in a baking dish. Mix well to combine.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
Elevate the classic mac and cheese game by adding crispy bacon and a golden-brown crust. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate pot, combine heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and bacon in a baking dish. Pour in the cream mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lasagna Roll-Ups with Marinara Sauce
Elevate your lasagna game with this creative twist on the classic dish. These roll-ups are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
4. Roll cooked lasagna noodles into cylindrical shapes.
5. Fill each roll with meat mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Place rolls seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the rolls.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs
Satisfy your cravings with this easy and satisfying baked spaghetti dish, featuring homemade meatballs and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the meatballs and cook for 5 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine crushed tomatoes and cooked meatballs in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Arrange cooked spaghetti on top of the meatball mixture.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mushroom and Gruyère Baked Rigatoni
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy baked rigatoni dish, featuring sautéed mushrooms and melted Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) rigatoni
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Gruyère cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked rigatoni and mushroom mixture in a baking dish. Top with additional grated Gruyère cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Baked Tortellini with Mozzarella
Elevate a classic comfort food with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of mozzarella cheese, the creaminess of pesto sauce, and the tender texture of tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of cheese-filled tortellini (12-16 oz)
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine pesto sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
4. Add cooked tortellini to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the pesto-mozzarella mixture.
5. Transfer the tortellini mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe combines the creaminess of baked feta cheese with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, all wrapped up in a simple and satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of feta cheese (about 6 oz)
– 12 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut the feta cheese into cubes and add to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
5. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef and Sausage Baked Mostaccioli
Elevate your pasta game with this satisfying casserole that combines tender beef, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz mostaccioli pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce mixture, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix well.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Ravioli in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful baked ravioli recipe, smothered in a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz cheese-filled ravioli (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the cream and stir to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
5. In a separate baking dish, arrange the ravioli in a single layer. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the ravioli are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Broccoli and Cheddar Baked Shells
Get ready for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for a cozy night in! This recipe combines the flavors of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and pasta shells for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté broccoli in butter until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cooked pasta shells, broccoli mixture, and cheddar cheese.
5. Pour the heavy cream over the shell mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese (if desired).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan
A simple yet flavorful side dish that combines the nutty taste of orzo with the earthy sweetness of spinach and the salty richness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions using the 2 cups of water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, olive oil, spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly toasted and heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan Baked Pasta
Transform classic eggplant parmesan into a satisfying baked pasta dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake eggplant for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Add baked eggplant slices to the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
9. Transfer to a baking dish; bake at 375°F for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce
This recipe combines the simplicity of baked gnocchi with the bright flavors of a homemade tomato basil sauce, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) package potato gnocchi
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss gnocchi with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. While the gnocchi bakes, heat the chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until softened.
5. Add cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and basil to the skillet. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine cooked gnocchi with tomato sauce and serve hot. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Taco-Spiced Baked Rotini
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish. This Taco-Spiced Baked Rotini recipe combines the warmth of taco spices with the comfort of baked rotini, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on pasta night.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rotini pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt.
4. Add cooked rotini to the bowl and toss to combine with the spice mixture.
5. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese and cilantro (if using).
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a creamy twist with this easy-to-make Baked Caprese Pasta recipe, featuring fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta
Warm up with this comforting autumnal pasta dish, where roasted butternut squash meets the earthy flavor of sage. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle, fettuccine)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped sage and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Combine cooked squash, pasta, and sage mixture in a serving dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Baked Shrimp Scampi Linguine
This recipe combines the flavors of scampi with the ease of baking, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound linguine pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, white wine (if using), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
4. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce.
5. Place the shrimp mixture on top of the cooked linguine pasta in a baking dish.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Baked Carbonara Fusilli with Peas
Baked Carbonara Fusilli with Peas: A Twist on a Classic
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish gets a fresh spin with the addition of sweet peas and a baked twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fusilli pasta
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and flour.
4. Add cooked pasta to the egg mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Stir in thawed peas and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pasta is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 20 creamy baked pasta recipes! From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese to Italian-inspired dishes like lasagna roll-ups, there’s something for everyone. Discover unique combinations like mushroom and Gruyère rigatoni or taco-spiced rotini, or go old-school with chicken alfredo penne. These mouthwatering recipes are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty casserole or a quick weeknight meal, this collection has got you covered.
