Easy Pasta Bake Recipe for Mike

Hey Mike from Texas! This one’s for you, buddy. I know you’re stretching those dollars until payday, so I whipped up this easy pasta bake just for you. It’s cheap, tasty, and will feed your whole crew without breaking the bank.

You’ll love how quick and simple this is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, you can use any pasta and meat you’ve got on hand. It’s the perfect way to use up those odds and ends in your fridge. Get ready for a new family favorite that’ll make those tight budget weeks a little easier.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pasta bake for Mike:

• 8 oz short pasta (about half a box)
• 1½ cups pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 lb cooked meat (chicken, sausage, or beef)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

You can use any short pasta shape you like – rigatoni and elbow macaroni work great. For the meat, pick your favorite or use what you have on hand.

Don’t forget to grab some cooking spray to mist the baking dish. A 9-inch dish is perfect for this recipe.

With just these simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal that stretches your budget. The cheese on top makes it extra comforting!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Pour the dry pasta, sauce, cream, and water into the dish. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, making sure the pasta is coated.

Cover the dish tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.

Carefully take the dish out and remove the foil. Stir in your cooked meat and half the mozzarella cheese.

Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all the parmesan on top. Bake for another 15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.

Your pasta bake is ready! Serve it up with a side salad or some bread. Enjoy your warm, cheesy meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily swap ingredients in this pasta bake to fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Try penne or fusilli instead of rigatoni. These shapes hold sauce well too.

No heavy cream? Use milk or half-and-half. The sauce may be thinner, but it’ll still taste great.

Switch up the protein. Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even canned tuna work nicely. For a veggie version, add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Play with cheese combinations. Cheddar, fontina, or provolone can replace some or all of the mozzarella. Pecorino Romano is a zingy stand-in for Parmesan.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or use taco seasoning instead of Italian. For a creamier dish, mix in some ricotta before baking.

Short on time? Use a rotisserie chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce. You’ll have dinner ready in a flash.

Remember, these swaps might change cooking times slightly. Keep an eye on your dish and adjust as needed.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

You can easily customize this pasta bake to fit your tastes. Try different types of short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells.

Mix in your favorite veggies for extra nutrition. Frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli work great. Just add them when you stir in the meat.

No heavy cream? Use milk instead. The sauce might be a bit thinner, but it’ll still taste yummy.

Make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

To freeze, let the pasta bake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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