Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that'll make your dinner guests beg for seconds! The Two Timin' Pasta Bake is not just another pasta dish - it's a cheesy, saucy masterpiece that combines the perfect blend of Italian flavors in one irresistible casserole. Whether you're looking to impress your family or need a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with 2 cups of marinara sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture. Gently fold the ricotta into the pasta until well incorporated.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors throughout the pasta.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Reserve a small handful of the mozzarella for topping.
- Fold half of the cheese mixture into the pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta bake, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
- Serve the Two Timin Pasta Bake warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses if possible. • Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. • Don't skip letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking - this helps the layers set and makes serving easier. • For a protein boost, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the pasta mixture. • Want to make it ahead? Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. • For a crispy top, broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to get a golden, slightly crisp cheese crust. • Experiment with different cheese blends or add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 447kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: mg
