Description
This Holiday Pasta Bake is a cozy, comforting dish perfect for festive gatherings or a hearty family dinner. Combining tender penne pasta with a creamy ricotta and marinara sauce blend, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this bake offers rich flavors accented by Italian seasoning and fresh basil. Easy to prepare and bake, it creates a golden, bubbly cheese crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Mix Sauce and Ricotta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the cheese and sauce mixture, and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into a baking dish, spreading it out for uniform baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, and serve warm.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the marinara sauce and cheeses contain no animal-derived rennet.
- If desired, add cooked vegetables or cooked ground meat into the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Allow the pasta bake to cool slightly before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
- The dish can be made ahead up to step 5, then refrigerated and baked before serving.
