Oven baked pasta

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Oven Baked Pasta that you can make with minimal effort:

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, to toss pasta after draining)

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried basil (or fresh basil if preferred)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a meaty version)
  • 1 cup sautéed vegetables (like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • If you’re using meat, cook the ground beef or sausage in a pan over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese (if using), garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. If you’re using meat or vegetables, mix them into the sauce at this point.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until the pasta is well-coated.
   • Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake:

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
   • After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden on top.

5. Serve:

   • Once out of the oven, let the pasta sit for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad or garlic bread!

Enjoy your oven-baked pasta — cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor!