If you’re craving a cozy, family-friendly dinner that fills the house with the smell of bubbling cheese and warm pasta, you’re in the right spot. These baked pasta recipes are practical, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without much fuss.
Whether you lean toward classic lasagna, simple dump-and-bake casseroles, or creamy mac and cheese, this collection gathers the very best ideas all in one place.
Use sturdy pasta shapes. Ziti, rigatoni, penne, and shells hold sauce well and bake evenly without turning mushy.
Add enough liquid for no-boil versions. Make sure there’s plenty of sauce or broth, and cover the dish tightly at the start.
Uncover for browning. Remove the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes if you like a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Most pasta bakes freeze easily. Creamy casseroles may need a splash of milk or extra sauce when reheated to bring back the texture.
Dump-and-Bake Favorites
When you want dinner on the table without standing over the stove, these casseroles get the job done. Everything goes into the dish, you slide it into the oven, and a cozy pasta bake comes out bubbling and ready to serve.
With just 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep, this Dump-and-Bake Wagon Wheel Pasta Casserole is an easy and healthy vegetarian dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
These are the timeless dishes most people picture when they think of baked pasta. Cozy layers, stretchy cheese, and bubbling sauce make this group feel like Sunday suppers, special occasions, or the kind of dinners everyone fights over for leftovers.
These stuffed shells with meat are filled with ground beef, three types of cheese, and pesto for incredible flavor. A cozy, make-ahead pasta bake the whole family will love.
This simple baked rigatoni recipe is a cozy vegetarian pasta casserole with creamy marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a buttery garlic breadcrumb topping!
If gooey cheese pulls and creamy sauces are what you’re craving, this section is for you. These pasta bakes lean into the rich, indulgent side of comfort food and make an appearance at everything from weeknights to holidays.
Chicken plus mac and cheese — together in one dish — with absolutely ZERO prep work! Just stir together the raw ingredients and let the oven do the rest for this creamy, easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole!
These hearty, filling casseroles turn pasta into a full meal. They’re great for big families, teens with bottomless appetites, or nights when you want something that truly sticks to your ribs.
Almost every pasta bake here can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk or sauce to keep everything creamy.
For freezing, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Creamy pasta bakes often benefit from an extra spoonful of sauce after reheating.
Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!
