There is something truly comforting about a warm, bubbling dish straight from the oven that brings people together, and this Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta does exactly that. It’s a celebration of gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce enhanced by velvety cream cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta all coming together in harmony. Whether you want to feed a hungry family or impress guests without hours in the kitchen, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and sheer satisfaction. The beauty of this Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is its straightforward, approachable ingredients that create a meal both hearty and irresistibly cheesy.

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the tender pasta to the luscious cheeses that give the dish its signature gooey pull and golden crust. Together, they combine simple pantry staples with fresh elements that make every bite flavorful and satisfying.

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.): Choose your favorite shape to catch sauce and cheese perfectly.
4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces): Use a rich, well-seasoned sauce as the flavor base that binds everything.
4 ounces cream cheese*: Adds creamy tang and smoothness to the sauce making it irresistible.
3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts wonderfully and creates that classic stretchy texture.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor and a golden crust when baked on top.
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage)** (optional): Adds protein and richness if you want a meaty version or leave it out for a meatless meal.

How to Make Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling your chosen pasta in salted water according to the package instructions but take it off the heat about 2 minutes before it is fully cooked. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking in the oven and absorb more sauce without becoming mushy. Perfect pasta texture is key to this dish’s success!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Meat

While the pasta is boiling, brown your ground meat (if using) in a large pot. This step adds a depth of flavor through caramelized bits. Once the meat is cooked through, pour in your tomato pasta sauce and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in the cream cheese until completely melted and combined. This creamy addition mellows out acidity and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Grate Your Cheeses

Freshly grate your mozzarella and Parmesan if you haven’t done so already. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a more deliciously gooey texture than pre-shredded varieties that can contain anti-caking agents.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and return it to the cooking pot or directly to the sauce pot—whichever is more spacious. Mix thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is perfectly coated in that creamy, tomatoey sauce. This fusion of flavors and textures sets your Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta apart from run-of-the-mill baked dishes.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble in a Baking Dish

Grease a 3-quart (13×9 inch) baking dish and spread half your pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then layer the remaining pasta. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. This layering ensures cheesy pockets throughout and a golden, bubbling cheese crust on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your assembled pasta into a 350-degree oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will melt into a luscious blanket with golden brown spots, and the aromas filling your kitchen will be downright irresistible. This baking step melds everything into a unified, decadent meal worth every minute in the oven.

How to Serve Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley not only adds a pop of bright green color but also a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich cheese and tomato flavors beautifully. For a little extra zing, a drizzle of good olive oil or cracked black pepper right before serving lifts the dish even more.

Side Dishes

Because Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is so hearty, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a simple garlic bread all add contrasting textures and keep your meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, serve this baked pasta in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. It turns this cozy dish into a personal portion that’s perfect for entertaining or making weeknight dinners feel special. Another idea is to sprinkle extra herbs or chili flakes on top at the table for a bit of custom flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta will continue to soak up sauce, so it might thicken slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish easily by assembling it in a freezer-safe container before the baking step. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, just add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the baking time and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbling again. If reheating single servings, the microwave works well but may lose some texture crispness, so the oven remains the best method.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta?

Absolutely! Shapes like penne, rotini, ziti, or even rigatoni work wonderfully. Choose pasta that holds sauce well and has ridges or tubes to trap all that cheesy goodness.

Is it necessary to add cream cheese to the tomato sauce?

The cream cheese is what makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth, balancing acidity from the tomato sauce. While optional, it lends that signature richness that makes this dish special.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the ground meat and use your favorite marinara or tomato sauce. You can also add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

What type of cheese melts best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal for that stringy, melty texture. Combining it with Parmesan adds depth and a nice crust. Using fresh grated cheese yields the best results.

How can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

You can fully assemble the pasta casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled directly from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make but impressively comforting. Its balance of creamy sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta hits all the right spots for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this your go-to recipe for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal!

Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Simple Cheesy Baked Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender pasta baked in a creamy tomato sauce with three kinds of cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, the recipe can be made with or without ground meat, making it versatile and satisfying for any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound pasta (Penne, Rotini, Ziti, etc.)

Sauce and Cheese

4 cups tomato pasta sauce (32 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese
3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Meat (Optional)

1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, sausage) – optional, can be omitted for meatless version

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large sauce pot, cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions specify, ensuring it remains slightly firm as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Prepare Sauce and Meat: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground meat in a separate pan if using. In a pot large enough to mix pasta later, bring the tomato pasta sauce to a boil. Once boiling and the meat is thoroughly cooked, add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently.
Grate Cheeses: Grate the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses if not pre-grated, preparing them for layering.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and return it to its cooking pot. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Alternatively, add pasta directly into the sauce pot if it is larger.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 3-quart (approximately 13×9-inch) baking dish. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Layer the remaining pasta over, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Notes

You can use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or ziti for best results.
Leaving out the ground meat makes this dish vegetarian.
For a richer sauce, ensure cream cheese is fully incorporated over low heat to avoid curdling.
Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American