If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s easy to whip up, this Oven Baked Pasta is just what you need. Combining your favorite pasta with a rich tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with the family. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, golden-brown pasta bake ready to serve in no time. Let’s get cooking

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 cups Favorite Pasta (I used Penne for this recipe)
• 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella

For the Sauce:

• 2 Green Onions
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• ¼ tsp Greek Spice
• ¼ tsp Herbamare
• 1 can Tomato Paste (156ml)
• 1 can Tomato Sauce (213ml)

Alternatively you can also use a marinara sauce.

Equipment I Used

• Stockpot
• Colander
• 8×8 Baking Dish
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Spoons
• Spoon
• Cheese Grater

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s ready to go once your pasta and sauce are prepared.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta (approximately 2 cups of uncooked pasta for an 8×8 baking dish) and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it using a colander and set it aside temporarily.

Prepare the Sauce

Using the same pot where you cooked the pasta, add the sauce ingredients: finely chop 2 green onions and 2 garlic cloves, and sauté them in a little bit of oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ¼ tsp of Greek spice and ¼ tsp of Herbamare seasoning. Add the contents of 1 can (156ml) of tomato paste and 1 can (213ml) of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure the sauce is smooth and evenly mixed.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well covered for the best flavor.

Assemble the Dish

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into an 8×8 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 to 1.5 cups of grated mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring the entire surface is covered with a generous layer of cheese.

Bake and Broil

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.

After baking, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your oven-baked pasta as a comforting main dish, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.