Imagine a dish that combines the perfect blend of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese that creates an irresistible symphony of flavors. This Baked Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort, this recipe is your ultimate go-to comfort food that promises to deliver maximum satisfaction in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. The sauce should completely cover the pasta.
- Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the first layer of pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta on top, creating a second layer.
- Top the second layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the top of the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil if desired.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy, overcooked noodles.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade or premium store-bought sauces can elevate the entire dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano before baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, you can broil the pasta for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to customize by adding cooked ground meat, sausage, or vegetables to make the dish more substantial.
- Choose cheeses that melt well - mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect, but you can also experiment with other varieties like provolone or fontina.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 395kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
