10+ Pasta Bake Recipes for Cozy Family Dinners

Pasta bake recipes are a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone loves. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights and offer comfort in every bite.

You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients. This makes them ideal for every taste preference.

Whether you enjoy classic flavors or want to experiment with new combinations, pasta bakes are versatile and fun to prepare. From creamy to cheesy and everything in between, these recipes can brighten any dinner table.

Get ready to discover some delicious options that will make your family or friends excited for mealtime.

1) Classic Baked Ziti with Marinara and Mozzarella

Classic baked ziti is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It combines pasta with marinara sauce and layers of gooey mozzarella cheese.

You can easily make this recipe at home. Start by cooking your ziti until it’s al dente.

Mix it with marinara sauce in a large bowl. Add in some ricotta cheese for creaminess and stir well.

Pour half of the ziti mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining ziti.

Finish with more mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 4 cups (960 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (480 g) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups (360 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package directions.
3. Mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
4. Layer half of the ziti mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the remaining ziti mixture.
7. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

2) Cheesy Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s an easy way to use up leftover ham and make a satisfying meal.

You can enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or serve it at a gathering. Cook your favorite pasta until it’s al dente.

Combine it with cooked ham and a creamy cheese sauce. Bake it until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

This recipe is perfect for any cheese lover. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or bow ties)
• 2 cups cooked ham, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix milk, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooked pasta, ham, and cheese in a large dish.
5. Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and stir well.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

3) One-Pan Crispy Spaghetti with Chicken

This one-pan dish brings together crispy spaghetti and tender chicken. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight and easy to clean up afterward.

Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large ovenproof skillet, add olive oil and chicken thighs, skin-side down.

Cook them until golden brown. Stir in chopped onions and tomato paste.

Add the spaghetti and water to the pan. Cover and bake for about 20 minutes.

Remove the lid and sprinkle some Parmesan crumbs on top. Bake for another 10 minutes until everything is crispy and golden.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup Parmesan crumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the chicken.
3. Add onions and tomato paste.
4. Stir in spaghetti and water.
5. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove lid and add Parmesan crumbs.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

4) Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

Baked rigatoni with ground beef and tomato sauce is a cozy meal perfect for families. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce makes a comforting dish.

You can add plenty of cheese on top for a deliciously gooey finish. This dish is great for leftovers too.

Ingredients

• 4 cups tomato sauce
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups cooked rigatoni pasta (about 2 1/2 cups uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked rigatoni, beef, and tomato sauce in a large bowl.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
8. Let it cool slightly before serving, garnished with fresh basil.

5) Creamy Tomato and Brown Gravy Pasta Casserole

This creamy tomato and brown gravy pasta casserole is warm and comforting. It combines flavorful ground beef with a rich tomato sauce and a hint of gravy.

To make this casserole, use noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors. Top with cheese and bake until golden brown.

Each bite brings a mix of creaminess and savory goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) of tomato sauce
• 1 packet of brown gravy mix
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (like mozzarella)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
4. Mix in the tomato sauce and brown gravy mix.
5. Combine the pasta with the meat sauce.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6) Five-Ingredient Budget-Friendly Pasta Bake

Making a five-ingredient pasta bake is quick and easy. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together a delicious meal.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You will need rigatoni or penne pasta, olive oil, lean ground beef, a jar of tomato sauce, and cheese.

These ingredients create a hearty and satisfying bake for your family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) rigatoni or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar (680 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef.
4. Mix cooked pasta, beef, and tomato sauce in a large bowl. Stir well.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

7) Baked Manicotti with Ricotta and Spinach

Baked manicotti filled with ricotta and spinach is a delicious and comforting dish. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or when you have guests over.

The creamy ricotta pairs wonderfully with fresh spinach. To make this dish, use manicotti pasta tubes.

Fill them with a mixture of ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, and seasonings. Place them in a baking dish with tomato sauce on the bottom.

Top the manicotti with mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 12 manicotti pasta tubes
• 1 pound (450 g) ricotta cheese
• 10 oz (280 g) cooked spinach, drained
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook manicotti according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each manicotti tube with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Lay filled manicotti in the dish and cover with more sauce.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8) Feta and Cherry Tomato Baked Pasta

Feta and cherry tomato baked pasta is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. You will love the combination of creamy feta and sweet roasted tomatoes.

Gather penne or your favorite pasta. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their flavor and blends perfectly with the feta.

Season the dish with herbs like oregano and thyme for extra taste. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) penne pasta
• 1 block (about 8 ounces or 225 grams) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the block of feta in the center.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft.
6. Mix in the pasta and serve garnished with fresh basil.

9) Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavor. You can prepare it quickly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Cook your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, mix in cooked, shredded chicken and crumbled bacon.

Add ranch dressing for a creamy taste. Transfer everything to a baking dish and top with cheese.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta until al dente.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

10) Baked Ravioli with Marinara and Mozzarella

Baked ravioli with marinara and mozzarella is a simple and tasty dish. You can use refrigerated or frozen ravioli for convenience.

This meal combines creamy marinara sauce with gooey mozzarella cheese. It creates a delicious comfort food experience.

To start, layer the ravioli in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top.

Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 package ravioli (refrigerated or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
3. Arrange half the ravioli on top.
4. Pour remaining sauce over the ravioli.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.