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Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole

This dish combines cooked pasta layered with rich cheese, marinara sauce, and optional fillings like meat or vegetables, then baked until bubbling and golden. The final casserole has a cheesy, gooey texture with a slightly crispy top, making it a hearty and comforting main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, ziti, or similar) uncooked
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or Italian blend) divided for layering
  • 1 olive oil for greasing the baking dish
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
    2 cups marinara sauce
  3. Pour the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl, then add the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, creating a flavorful base.
    2 cups marinara sauce
  4. Transfer half of the coated pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
  5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the first pasta layer, then add the remaining pasta on top, spreading it evenly.
    2 cups marinara sauce
  6. Cover the top with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a thick, cheesy layer that will melt into a gooey topping during baking.
    2 cups marinara sauce
  7. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and starting to brown around the edges.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese topping. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  9. Take the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to settle, and then serve hot with fresh basil or your favorite herbs if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add cooked vegetables or cooked ground meat between the layers for extra flavor and protein.