4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

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You can make a yummy pasta bake with just 4 ingredients! This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal. You’ll have a hot, cheesy dinner on the table in just 35 minutes. The whole family will love this creamy pasta dish.

This recipe uses simple items you might already have in your kitchen. You’ll need pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and fresh basil. It’s so easy to put together – just cook the pasta, mix in the sauce and cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly. The result is a comforting meal that’s sure to please even picky eaters.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy pasta bake:

• 1 pound pasta (whole wheat shells recommended)
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 4 cups cheese (mix of Parmesan and mozzarella)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

That’s it! Just 5 simple ingredients. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already.

For the pasta, whole wheat shells work great. They hold the sauce well and add a nice texture. Any short pasta shape will do though.

Choose your favorite marinara sauce. A good quality one makes a big difference in flavor.

The cheese blend gives you that perfect gooey, melty goodness. Feel free to adjust the ratio of Parmesan to mozzarella based on your taste.

Fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have any, dried Italian herbs can work too.

Remember to season with salt and pepper at the end. Taste and adjust as needed.

Instructions

Ready to make this tasty pasta bake? Here’s how:

1. 
   

   Cook the pasta following the package directions. Drain it well.

   
   
2. 
   

   Put the cooked pasta in a big bowl. Add the marinara sauce, fresh basil, and 2 cups of cheese. Mix gently.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Make sure to spray it with cooking spray first.

   
   
5. 
   

   Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cover the dish with foil.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Take off the foil and bake for 5 more minutes.

   
   

Your pasta bake is now ready to serve! The cheese will be melty and the pasta nice and hot. Enjoy your easy, cheesy dinner with family or friends.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this pasta bake to suit your tastes or use what’s in your pantry. Here are some ideas:

Pasta: Try penne, rigatoni, or fusilli instead of shells. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work too.

Sauce: Swap marinara for alfredo, vodka sauce, or even pesto for a different flavor.

Cheese: Mix it up with cheddar, fontina, or gouda. Vegan cheese is an option for a dairy-free version.

Protein: Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage for extra protein.

Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for more nutrition.

Herbs: Use oregano or thyme if you don’t have basil on hand.

Toppings: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy finish.

You can also make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or creamy by mixing in some cream cheese. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make this pasta bake your own by switching up the cheese. Try cheddar, fontina, or even a blend of your favorites.

Add some veggies for extra nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work great. Just chop them up and mix them in before baking.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Freeze individual portions for quick meals later. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For a crispy top, broil the pasta for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Want to make it ahead? Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.