This magnificently cheesy Baked Pasta is one of the easiest dinners you’ll make all week! Layered with savory tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, and piles of cheese, you’ve got the pasta bake that will have you dreaming of dinner, ALL day long! Just 5 ingredients and dinner is done!
Baked Pasta
Need something easy and oh so delicious for dinner tonight? This sublimely tasty Baked Pasta Recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters in your home!
It’s loaded with gooey melted cheese and a dreamy, creamy sauce the whole family will love!
Heather writes: “Cozy, comforting and so easy to make”
Plus, this easy casserole recipe doesn’t even require meat, so frugal bonus for you!
It’s such a fun, tasty, budget-friendly meal that will be a perfect for your meatless Mondays.
You’ll also love how this 5 ingredient meatless casserole recipe comes together in a snap, making it a great recipe for busy weeknights.
The leftovers heat up beautifully too, so you can even have dinner for the next night done!
This recipe really is your traditional pasta dinner reimagined in the form of a casserole. Trust me… you’re going to love it!
So are you ready to get this outrageously divine cheesy pasta bake started already?
It’s a comfort food casserole recipe that is sure to serve up big smiles and reward you with loving hugs!
Just like you’ll get with this fabulously easy Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe and this Baked Ravioli, too!
Now you’ll just need these 5 ingredients to make your cheesy baked pasta…
Baked Pasta Ingredients
You’ll just need a few simple ingredients to make the best Baked Pasta Casserole!
Add the following to your next grocery list to make sure you’ve got everything on hand…
- Rotini Pasta – Penne or Ziti can be substituted
- Alfredo Sauce – You can use store bought or Homemade Alfredo
- Tomato Pasta Sauce – Use store bought or Homemade Pasta Sauce
- Colby Jack Shredded Cheese – Shredded Cheddar can be substituted
- White Onion
- Optional: Parmesan Cheese, Salt & Pepper to taste, or Fresh Parsley for Garnish
You’ll also need a 9×13 baking dish to get the job done, too.
That’s it.
It really is so simple to make with just 5 ingredients!!
Do You Cook Pasta Before Making a Pasta Bake?
Yes… you’ll always want to boil your pasta before making your pasta bake so the noodles are perfectly soft and tender.
Should You Cover a Pasta Bake?
No… there is no need to cover your pasta bake when it cooks in the oven.
How to Make Baked Pasta
You won’t believe how easy it is to make the best Pasta Bake at home!
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. First you’ll want to preheat your oven.
2. Then, while the oven is preheating, you’ll cook your pasta noodles on the stove and then drain.
3. While the pasta is cooking, you can sauté your chopped onions.
4. Spray your 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, then build your casserole layer by layer as specified in the recipe.
5. Once your casserole has been assembled, bake it uncovered, until done.
6. Once done, serve with optional salt and pepper to taste, and ENJOY!
Or if you’re feeling wild, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy every delicious bite!
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Substitutes for Pasta Sauce
For the Tomato Sauce – use your favorite brand of Marinara Sauce, or give this Tomato Garlic Italian Herb Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce a try!
For the Alfredo Sauce – use your favorite brand of Alfredo Sauce, or give this Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce a try! It’s DELICIOUS!!
What to Serve with Baked Pasta
One of my favorite sides to serve with this cheesy pasta casserole is Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread.
It’s the perfect addition to any Italian dinner!
Then, don’t forget to add a side salad topped with this lovely homemade Honey Balsamic Dressing! It’s so simple to make, and the perfect side!
How to Store Your Pasta Bake
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer to a microwave safe dish, cover with paper towels, and reheat for 30 seconds at a time (stirring each time) until hot.
You can even add a little extra cheese on top for the last few seconds of microwaving. The more cheese the merrier, right?
Baked Pasta Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this easy Tomato Alfredo Baked Pasta Recipe…
One reader writes: “Love how easy and delicious this is!”
D writes: “So tasty!”
Kathy writes: “Makes a great weeknight dinner!”
Teresi writes: “My favorite!”
Heather writes: “Cozy, comforting and so easy to make”
Allie writes: “Went really well. Tasty.”
Ryan writes: “So yummy and I can’t believe it is only 5 ingredients”
Cindy writes: “A great easy meal!”
Kim writes: “Such a family favorite!! This is the best comfort food!!”
Leah writes: “Very good & easy!”
Betty writes: “I love this twist on baked Alfredo!”
Tony writes: “Yummy!!”
Christie writes: “Mouthwatering! The perfect dinner and great as leftovers too!”
Sherri writes: “So easy and cheesy!”
Patricia writes: “I add a little hamburger or chicken”
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Baked Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Rotini Pasta, cooked (1 lb or 454 g)
- 15 ounces Classico Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Tomato Pasta Sauce, (your favorite brand)
- 2 cups Colby Jack shredded cheese, (8 oz bag)
- 1 Medium White Onion, (finely diced)
- 1 pinch Salt & Pepper to taste, (optional)
- 2 tsp Chopped Fresh Parsley for garnish, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook pasta per instructions on package, drain, and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, add a little oil to a skillet, and saute onions over medium heat on the stove for approx. 5 minutes, or until soft.
- Spray 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the Tomato sauce into the bottom of casserole dish, and spread out as a thin layer.
- Then add 1/2 of pasta into dish, and spread out evenly.
- Pour half of the alfredo sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with a layer of 1/2 of the diced onions.
- Top with a layer of 1/2 cup of cheese, and 1/2 cup more Tomato sauce.
- Now pour in the remaining pasta and spread out evenly.
- Then add 1/2 cup more of tomato sauce on top of the pasta, and top that with the a layer of the reamining onions.
- Then evenly pour on the remaining amount of Alfredo sauce.
- Top with an even layer of remaining shredded cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for 10 - 15 minutes, or until cheese has melted.
- Season with optional salt and pepper to taste… and ENJOY!
- Garnish with optional fresh chopped Parsley.
- You can even top with a little Parmesan cheese... YUM!
Notes
- How to Store Your Pasta Bake: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How To Reheat Your Pasta Bake: When you're ready to enjoy, simply transfer to a microwave safe dish, cover with paper towels, and reheat for 30 seconds at a time (stirring each time) until hot. You can even add a little extra cheese on top for the last few seconds of microwaving. The more cheese the merrier, right?
- For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
- Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
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So have you tried this easy Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe yet?
Leave a comment and share…
it sounds so delicious and simple to make! would love to try
I know you’ll love it… it’ so dreamy good!
Molto invitante la tua pasta, bravissima!!!
Grazie mille!
This turned out great! It was so easy to make and my family really loved it!
I am so glad your family loved it. I hope you have a beautiful week!
Cheesy, creamy deliciousness. This is so fast to put together and perfect way to warm up on a cool day. Makes lots too so cook once and eat twice – love that!
I agree, it’s perfect for leftovers!
Baked pasta is one of my kid’s favorite quick dinner meals! I have not thought to combine tomato and alfredo sauce, but that sounds amazing!
The tomato and Alfredo are so amazing together!
I’m always looking for an easy weeknight meal or a simple make and take for the meal train so I’m excited to try this recipe, Heidi. It looks delicious! Hugs, CoCo
It really is the perfect addition to the meal train!