10+ Pasta Bake Recipes to Cozy Up Your Dinner Table

Pasta bake recipes make dinner easy and comforting. These dishes bring together pasta, sauce, cheese, and whatever else you like—then you just bake it all for a cozy meal.

They’re perfect if you’ve got a packed schedule. You can prep them ahead and toss them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Pasta bakes are super flexible, so you can tweak them to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge. Whether you’re into classic combos or want to load up on veggies and meat, there’s a pasta bake for you.

Let’s dig into some ideas and recipes that might just become your new favorites.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (penne, ziti, rigatoni, honestly whatever you have)
• Sauce (marinara, spaghetti sauce—your call)
• Cheese (mozzarella, cottage cheese, parmesan, or all of them)
• Optional: ground beef, veggies, or anything else you want to throw in

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, following the package directions.
3. Mix cooked pasta with sauce and extras in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese over everything.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and melted.

1) Classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Classic baked ziti is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing dinners. Start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic—nothing fancy, just good flavors.

Mix in tomato sauce and oregano. Let it simmer while you cook the pasta.

Combine the ziti with the meat sauce and a bunch of cheese. Bake until the top gets golden and bubbly.

It’s hearty and honestly perfect for busy nights or when friends drop by.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (32 oz) jar meatless tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a pan. Drain off the fat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and oregano. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook ziti until al dente. Drain.
5. Toss pasta with meat sauce and half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Pour into a baking dish, top with the rest of the cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Full recipe here: Classic Baked Ziti Recipe.

2) Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta bake is pure comfort. Sauté chicken and mushrooms in butter, then stir in cream for a rich sauce.

Mix with pasta and a good handful of cheese, then bake until you get that irresistible bubbly top.

It’s quick to put together and perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy but not complicated. The crunchy cheese layer on top? That’s the best part.

Use whatever pasta you’re feeling—penne, fusilli, whatever. Toss in spinach or fresh herbs if you want to brighten things up.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• 2 cups cream or milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Melt butter in a pan, then sauté garlic and mushrooms until soft.
3. Add chicken, cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked pasta and half the cheese.
5. Pour everything into a baking dish, top with the rest of the cheese.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

3) Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a classic for a reason. Fill jumbo shells with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture.

Nestle them in tomato sauce, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until the top gets melty.

They’re easy to prep and always feel a little special. Add mozzarella and parmesan for extra cheesiness.

A side of salad or garlic bread makes this a full meal. Prep takes about 20 minutes, then just bake until bubbly.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Marinara or tomato sauce
• Garlic (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook shells until just tender, then drain.
3. Mix ricotta, chopped spinach, and half the mozzarella and parmesan.
4. Stuff each shell with the cheese-spinach mix.
5. Spread marinara in a baking dish, arrange shells on top.
6. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and sauce.
7. Bake 25-30 minutes, until everything’s melted and bubbly.
8. Add fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.

Get the full details at Salted Mint’s ricotta stuffed shells.

4) Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Pasta Bake

Cheesy broccoli and ham pasta bake is a sneaky way to get in some veggies and protein. The cheese sauce hugs the pasta and broccoli, making every bite creamy and rich.

Use whatever pasta you like, but short shapes like rotini or shells work best. Ham brings a salty kick that balances the broccoli.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight and you can switch up the cheese or herbs as you like.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces rotini pasta
• 10 ounces frozen broccoli florets
• 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta, tossing in broccoli for the last 3 minutes. Drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth.
4. Whisk in milk, cook until thickened.
5. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups cheese. Stir until melted.
6. Mix pasta, broccoli, ham, and sauce. Pour into a baking dish.
7. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

5) One-Pot Sausage and Rigatoni Bake

One-pot sausage and rigatoni bake is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Brown sausage, then toss in uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, cream, and garlic for a creamy sauce.

Let everything simmer together so the pasta soaks up all the flavor. Finish with cheese on top—just let it melt in.

It’s quick, filling, and you only have one pot to wash. Gotta love that.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 15 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
• 8 oz rigatoni, uncooked
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium.
2. Brown sausage until cooked through.
3. Add garlic, cook for a minute.
4. Stir in rigatoni, broth, and cream.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover until melted.
7. Serve warm.

More details at Julia’s Album.

6) Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

Baked mac and cheese is all about that creamy-cheesy inside and the crispy top. The cheese sauce is smooth, and the topping—breadcrumbs or crackers—gets golden and crunchy.

Try mixing in sharp cheddar or gruyere for deeper flavor. You can even jazz up the topping with garlic or herbs.

It’s simple, comforting, and honestly, the crispy top makes it feel a little extra. Perfect for family dinners or just when you need some comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni and drain.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Stir in flour, cook for a minute.
5. Slowly add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Take off heat, stir in cheese until melted.
7. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni, season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crackers on top.
9. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.

7) Ground Beef and Tomato Cream Pasta Casserole

This one mixes ground beef with a creamy tomato sauce for a warm, satisfying pasta bake. Brown beef with onions and garlic, then stir in tomato sauce and cream for a smooth, rich flavor.

Pop it in the oven until it’s bubbling and golden. It’s a straightforward, family-friendly dinner.

Add Italian seasoning or paprika if you want a little more kick. Melt cheese on top for that classic casserole finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook pasta until just al dente, then drain it.

3. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a pan.

4. Add tomato sauce, cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

5. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce.

6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake.

8) Ham and Cheese Five-Ingredient Pasta Bake

This ham and cheese pasta bake is perfect when you just want something easy and satisfying. Only five ingredients, and you’re good to go.

It’s a great way to use up leftover ham and still get a comforting, melty meal. Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender pasta—what’s not to like?

You mix cooked pasta with ham, cheese, and a creamy sauce, then bake until it’s golden and bubbling on top. It usually takes about 30 minutes, so it’s a solid weeknight option.

Want a no-fuss recipe? Here’s a ham and cheese pasta bake that keeps things simple.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
• 1 cup cottage cheese or cream cheese
• 1 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.

3. Mix pasta, ham, shredded cheese, cottage (or cream) cheese, and milk.

4. Pour everything into a baking dish and sprinkle extra cheese on top.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.

9) Mushroom and Herb Lasagne

This mushroom and herb lasagne brings together loads of veggies in a cozy pasta bake. You’ll layer mushrooms with fresh sage and thyme for a real flavor boost.

Ricotta and mozzarella keep things creamy but not too heavy. The lasagne sheets soak up those herby flavors nicely.

A white wine and tomato sauce gives it a gentle tang. Everything bakes together in one dish, so cleanup isn’t a headache.

Ingredients

• Lasagne sheets
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Fresh sage
• Fresh thyme
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• White wine
• Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with sage and thyme until soft.

3. Add white wine and tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Mix ricotta with some Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper.

5. Layer lasagne sheets, mushroom sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish.

6. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Let it rest a few minutes before serving. (Patience pays off.)

10) Ottolenghi-Style Crispy Spaghetti and Chicken Bake

This dish is all about contrast: crispy spaghetti on top and bottom, with juicy chicken in the middle. You cook everything in one pan, so there’s less mess.

Chicken thighs get a golden, flavorful skin while the pasta crisps up. It’s honestly a fun twist on the usual pasta bake.

The ingredients are straightforward—chicken thighs, spaghetti, tomato paste, and onions. Tomato paste and garlic bring out that rich, savory vibe.

If you love a little crunch with your comfort food, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2½ pounds) chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 200 g (7 oz) dry spaghetti
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Parmesan crumbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a big ovenproof pan. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then set them aside for a bit.

3. Toss in onions and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

4. Add some tomato paste and stir it around for about a minute.

5. Drop in the dry spaghetti. Pour in just enough water to barely cover the pasta.

6. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper—don’t be shy, but taste as you go.

7. Snuggle the chicken thighs right into the pasta.

8. Move the whole pan into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

9. You’re looking for chicken that’s cooked through and pasta with a crispy edge.

10. If you’re after extra crunch, sprinkle Parmesan crumbs on top for the last 5 minutes.