Quickie Pasta Bake

Whip up a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal in no time with this Quickie Pasta Bake! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this one-dish wonder combines al dente penne pasta with a creamy ricotta and marinara sauce blend, infused with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for bold, irresistible flavor. Topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection in under 30 minutes. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this easy pasta bake delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a homestyle touch that will make your family or guests swoon. Ideal for quick family meals or casual gatherings, it's a cheesy, savory comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread evenly to coat the bottom.

Step 4

In a bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.

Step 6

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared skillet or baking dish. Spread out evenly.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring it is fully covered. Follow with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Step 8

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1315.8 grams (1315.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2606

Total Fat 113.30g	145%
Saturated Fat 55.90g	280%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 351mg	117%
Sodium 5419mg	236%
Total Carbohydrate 260.90g	95%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 10.30g
Protein 142.20g	284%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3115mg	240%
Iron 13mg	69%
Potassium 881mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.7%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 39.6%