Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe: A Weeknight Dinner That’s Truly Spectacular 

I love recipes like this Cheesy Pasta Bake because they’re so simple to make yet so satisfying. It’s a family-friendly dish that would go perfectly with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread. Starting with penne pasta, this bake is loaded with marinara sauce, cream, and mozzarella cheese. To make it even better, it’s topped with more melted cheese and a crispy garlic crumb topping. It’s rich and cheesy, not overly saucy—so feel free to serve it with a side of marinara. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner!

Weeknight Pasta Bake-tacular

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Garlic Bread Crumb:

• 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain it and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat the chicken.
5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Add heavy cream or milk. Stir until fully combined.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken with sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
8. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (ingredients listed under the topping section.) Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan, if desired. If you’d like extra sauce, serve it with a side of marinara!

The Best Cheesy Pasta Bake: A Family Favorite

Last week, we whipped up the best Cheesy Pasta Bake, and let me tell you—it was a hit! This dish is the ultimate family-friendly weeknight dinner. It’s super flavorful and reheats like a dream. Perfect for busy days, it’s also a great option for meal prepping ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions

We paired our pasta bake with a crisp side salad, but it’s equally delicious alongside:

• Parmesan veggies for a healthy, cheesy side
• Crusty garlic bread because who doesn’t love garlic bread?

If you’ve got food allergies or preferences, you can swap in gluten-free, whole grain, or protein pasta to fit your taste. I love how easy it is to customize this dish to include everyone.

A Cheesy, Less Saucy Twist

This pasta bake leans more cheesy than saucy, and that’s just how we like it! Well, my daughter specifically. Hayley isn’t a fan of red sauce, so this recipe was totally her kind of pasta. If you prefer a saucier option, serve a warm marinara or tomato-based sauce on the side for dipping or pouring.

Make-Ahead Meals for the Win

I absolutely love recipes that can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week. Casseroles and crockpot meals are lifesavers for busy schedules. They’re perfect for:

• Work lunches you can pack and go
• Quick dinners to heat up during hectic evenings

With my daughter in virtual school now, having meals prepped and ready to reheat helps keep our day running smoothly. It also frees up time for me to focus on blog work, filming videos, and taking photos—win-win!

What’s Next? More Easy, Savory Meals!

I’m planning to create even more easy, savory meal recipes, especially those perfect for meal prep. I’d love to hear from you: What meals would you love to see next? Drop your suggestions in the comments below!

Different Types of Cheese for a Pasta Bake

Adding a variety of cheeses can elevate your pasta bake from delicious to extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of some cheeses to consider:

1. Mozzarella

• Why Use It: Melts beautifully, creating that classic stretchy cheese pull.
• Flavor Profile: Mild and creamy, perfect for balancing bolder cheeses.
• Tips: Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier finish or pre-shredded for convenience.

2. Cheddar

• Why Use It: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Flavor Profile: Ranges from mild to extra sharp, depending on preference.
• Tips: Combine with mozzarella for a perfect melt and flavor combination.

3. Parmesan

• Why Use It: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• Flavor Profile: Hard and granular with a strong, savory taste.
• Tips: Sprinkle it on top for a golden crust or mix it into the sauce for depth.

4. Gouda

• Why Use It: Offers a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Flavor Profile: Smooth and buttery, with a mild smoky undertone.
• Tips: Use smoked gouda for a unique twist.

5. Ricotta

• Why Use It: Makes the bake creamy without overpowering the flavors.
• Flavor Profile: Mild and slightly sweet, with a fluffy texture.
• Tips: Layer dollops of ricotta for pockets of creamy goodness.

6. Gruyère

• Why Use It: Adds an earthy, nutty flavor that’s slightly sweet.
• Flavor Profile: Rich and complex, with a luxurious melt.
• Tips: Use sparingly to complement rather than overpower.

7. Fontina

• Why Use It: Offers a creamy texture and mild nuttiness.
• Flavor Profile: Buttery and slightly tangy.
• Tips: Melts well, making it ideal for mixing into sauces.’

Additional FAQ for Your Cheesy Pasta Bake

1. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to account for the cold temperature.

2. Can I freeze the pasta bake?
Absolutely. Assemble and cool the dish completely before freezing. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

3. How do I prevent my cheese from becoming greasy?
Use high-quality cheese and avoid overcooking. Mixing cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar with harder cheeses like Parmesan helps reduce greasiness.

4. What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds sauce well and doesn’t get mushy during baking.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Love this recipe? Don’t keep it to yourself!

• Leave a comment below with your favorite cheese combination or any creative twists you’ve added to your pasta bake.
• Share this recipe with friends and family for their next comfort food craving.
• Subscribe to my email for more cheesy dinners and family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep cooking up the fun! 

If you like this recipe try this one next! Chicken Nugget Pasta Bake