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Easy Cheesy Sheet Pan Baked Pasta Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Easy Cheesy Sheet Pan Baked Pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting baked pasta dish with gooey cheese and marinara sauce, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) dry penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of dry pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions, about 7 minutes if the package says 9, until al dente.
  3. Reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot pasta with 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
  5. Spread the saucy pasta evenly across a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture. Use a rimmed baking sheet to contain sauce and cheese. Keep an eye on the cheese after 15 minutes to prevent burning. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, sheet pan pasta, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, mozzarella, marinara, parmesan

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-cheesy-sheet-pan-baked-pasta-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/