Name: Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.); 4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces); 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage) (optional – leave out for meatless); 3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and irresistibly creamy, then you’re going to adore this Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta. This dish is pure joy in a casserole, blending tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce enriched by luscious cream cheese and topped with a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family and friends, this recipe delivers big on flavor and simplicity, making it an instant favorite in any home kitchen.

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta absolutely unforgettable. Each element adds something special—from the pasta’s satisfying bite to the creamy, cheesy textures and the bold tomato flavors. Together, they create a perfect harmony that’s both comforting and exciting.

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that delicious sauce.
4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces): A rich, flavorful base full of bright tomato goodness.
4 ounces cream cheese*: This adds a silky creaminess that takes the sauce to the next level.
3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese: The star for that melty, gooey topping that everyone loves.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan: A sharp, nutty punch to finish off the dish beautifully.
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage)** (optional): Adds protein and savory depth, but feel free to leave it out for a meatless version.

How to Make Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in plenty of salted water, but here’s a key trick: cook it about two minutes less than the package directions suggest. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly while baking, avoiding any mushy textures. Drain and set aside when ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Meat

While the pasta is cooking, brown your ground meat in a large pot if you’ve decided to include it. Once the meat is cooked through, pour in your tomato pasta sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely, enriching the sauce with a velvety smoothness. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your pasta is drained, add it directly to the pot with your sauce. Stir well to coat every piece generously with that luscious tomato and cream cheese mixture. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 3-quart (13×9 inch) baking dish thoroughly. Spoon half of your saucy pasta evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese over it. Layer on the remaining pasta, then evenly top with the rest of the mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. This layering technique gives you a glorious cheesy crust and melty goodness throughout.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbling and just starting to turn golden around the edges. This baking step finishes the pasta perfectly, melding all the flavors and textures beautifully.

How to Serve Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Garnishes

Add a fresh pop of color and brightness with chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving. A dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate this cozy dish to something just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the rich creaminess. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make great companions, offering a fresh contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the baked pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for single servings straight from oven to table. You can also add roasted cherry tomatoes on top before baking for a burst of sweetness and an extra pop of color that makes the dish irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta tastes just as amazing the next day. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious follow-up meal.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with ready-made comfort food, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Microwaving also works well for single portions, just cover to keep the pasta moist and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan provide the classic melty and sharp flavor profile, feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even cheddar to suit your taste. Just keep the balance for the best melt and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Simply skip the ground meat and enjoy this pasta with the rich tomato and cheese sauce. You can add veggies like mushrooms or spinach to boost the flavor and nutrition.

Can I make Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and ensure the sauce and cheeses you choose don’t contain any gluten ingredients. The taste and texture remain delicious!

How spicy is this dish?

This version is mild, but if you love a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes either to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the creamy cheesy goodness.

What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?

Penne, rotini, or ziti all work wonderfully because their ridges and hollow centers trap the sauce perfectly, delivering maximum flavor with every bite. Choose what you love or have on hand!

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s comforting, easy to pull together, and offers that perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and saucy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd without stress. So heat up that oven and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest, most satisfying pasta bakes you’ve ever made!

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich tomato and cream cheese sauce, layered with plenty of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it can be made with or without ground meat for a vegetarian option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.)

Sauce

4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage) (optional – leave out for meatless)

Cheese

3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large sauce pot, cook the pasta about 2 minutes less than the package directions state so it stays firm during baking.
Prepare the sauce and meat: While pasta cooks, brown the ground meat in a separate pan if using. In a pot large enough to mix with pasta, heat the tomato pasta sauce until boiling. Add the cooked meat and then stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently.
Grate the cheeses: Grate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses if not pre-grated to ensure even melting.
Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta and return it to the cooking pot. Add the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
Layer in baking dish: Grease a 3-quart (13×9 inch) baking dish. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the dish and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives.
You can use any type of tubular pasta such as penne, rotini, or ziti.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Leftovers reheat well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Using freshly grated cheese results in better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American