Throw in Bake

Effortless and delicious, the "Throw In Bake" is the ultimate one-dish wonder for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This versatile baked pasta recipe shines with pantry staples like uncooked penne or fusilli, canned diced tomatoes, and irresistible layers of gooey mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. A simple toss of fresh spinach, rich heavy cream, and optional shredded chicken creates a hearty meal in just 15 minutes of prep time. With aromatic garlic and a touch of Italian herbs, this bubbly, golden dish emerges from the oven brimming with creamy, cheesy comfort. Perfectly paired with crusty bread or a crisp green salad, the Throw In Bake is proof that satisfying flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy one-pan meal is your go-to for quick, family-friendly comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams uncooked pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 150 grams cooked shredded chicken (optional)
• 100 grams spinach leaves
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large ovenproof dish, drizzle the olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly across the bottom.

Step 4

Add the cooked pasta, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), heavy cream, and shredded chicken (if using) into the dish.

Step 5

Toss in the spinach leaves, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything together gently with a spoon.

Step 6

Sprinkle the mixed Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.

Step 7

Top the pasta mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese, spreading it out evenly across the surface.

Step 8

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the throw-in bake sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm, optionally with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1361.7 grams (1361.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2990

Total Fat 148.50g	190%
Saturated Fat 68.70g	344%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.10g
Cholesterol 464mg	155%
Sodium 5235mg	228%
Total Carbohydrate 251.80g	92%
Dietary Fiber 19.80g	71%
Total Sugars 23.80g
Protein 151.50g	303%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2297mg	177%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2269mg	48%

*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: 45.3%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 34.1%