This Zesty Baked Pasta is a rich, cheesy baked dish with bold Italian flavors. Made with penne pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—it’s creamy inside and golden on top. With just the right amount of herbs and heat, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Triple Cheese Power: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan deliver unbeatable richness.
- 🌿 Herb-Infused Zest: A touch of Italian seasoning adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From stove to oven in minutes—great for busy weeknights.
- 🍝 Pasta Perfection: Penne holds sauce well and keeps the texture balanced after baking.
- 🎉 Crowd-Friendly: Ideal for potlucks, game nights, or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb penne pasta (or ziti, rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 oz (1¾ cups) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or basil/oregano blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain well.
Step 2: Mix Pasta with Sauce & Ricotta
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Italian herbs
- A dash of salt and pepper
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer in Baking Dish
Place half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish .
Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese .
Repeat layers with the remaining pasta mixture and mozzarella.
Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For extra golden color, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the pasta cool for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
Serve warm with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
- 🥦 Vegetable Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
- 🧁 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake just before serving.
- ❄️ Freeze for Later: These baked pasta bars freeze well—great for future meals.
- 🧑🍳 Use Fresh Herbs: If available, stir in fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair with crusty bread and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Great for dinner parties, lunch leftovers, or late-night cravings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
(Without added protein – based on regular cheeses)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
This Zesty Baked Pasta is a simple yet deeply satisfying twist on classic baked pasta dishes. With layers of zesty marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—it’s everything you love about Italian comfort food in one pan.
So go ahead and serve this up… because once you take a bite—you won’t be able to stop!
