Best 11 Italian Pasta Bake Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the culinary delight of Italian pasta bake, a delectable dish that combines the richness of pasta, the savoriness of a meaty sauce, the creaminess of cheese, and the crispy crunch of a golden-brown crust. This versatile dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

From the classic lasagna, with its layers of pasta, ragu, and béchamel sauce, to the hearty baked ziti, brimming with pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, to the comforting pasta al forno, featuring a medley of pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this article presents a diverse collection of Italian pasta bake recipes that cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions.

Whether you're a seasoned cook seeking to expand your culinary repertoire or a novice seeking an easy-to-follow guide, this comprehensive article provides step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photographs to guide you through the process of creating these delectable dishes.

So, prepare your aprons, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to explore the diverse world of Italian pasta bakes. Let your kitchen be filled with the enticing aromas of simmering sauces, melted cheese, and toasted pasta as you bring these recipes to life. Buon Appetito!

Let's cook with our recipes!

ITALIAN PASTA BAKE



Italian Pasta Bake image

I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.-Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
3 plum tomatoes, sliced
3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Add to beef mixture and gently stir in sliced plum tomatoes. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 calories, Fat 20g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 702mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

EASY ITALIAN PASTA BAKE



Easy Italian Pasta Bake image

Make and share this Easy Italian Pasta Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MissBobLoblaw

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 lb ground beef
3 cups penne pasta or 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked, drained
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Brown meat in large skillet; drain.
  • Add cooked pasta, sauce, and half of the parmesan; mix well.
  • Spoon into 13X9-inch baking dish.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

ITALIAN PASTA AND BEEF BAKE



Italian Pasta and Beef Bake image

Have dinner on the table in less than an hour. With mostaccioli, mushrooms and mozzarella, it's marvelous!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 oz. (1 1/2 cups) uncooked mostaccioli or penne (tube-shaped pasta)
1/2 lb. lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 (15-oz.) can Italian-style tomato sauce
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 (4.5-oz.) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook mostaccioli as directed on package. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes and mushrooms. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat; pour into sprayed baking dish.
  • Add cooked mostaccioli; stir gently to mix. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; place sprayed side down on baking dish and seal tightly.
  • Bake at 350°F. for 15 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 3/4 Cups, Sodium 1200 mg, Sugar 8 g

QUICK & EASY ZESTY ITALIAN PENNE PASTA BAKE



Quick & Easy Zesty Italian Penne Pasta Bake image

We like this recipe because we use fresh peppers, onions, and zucchini from our garden. I can up with this recipe because I needed a quick recipe for unexpected company and had left over marinara sauce in the refrigerator and breakfast sausage in the freezer. I usually make my recipe with ziti, however, penne pasta is basically the same thing. I make this recipe in the summer when I have lots of "fresh" zucchini from my garden. I always pick fresh, baby zucchini for this recipe, therefore, it isn't necessary to peel the zucchini or cook it, because it is very tender. When it is sliced thin, it cooks perfectly in the casserole and does not require prior cooking. I serve this with fresh garden salad and crusty bread or rolls.

Provided by Judy-Jude

Categories     Penne

Time 1h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package Jimmy Dean sausage
1 medium onion, course chop
1 small sweet red pepper, course chop
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon hot crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dry basil
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small zucchini, unpeeled,sliced very thin (do not cook zucchini, it will cook in the casserole)
salt and black pepper
1/2 box penne pasta
1 (8 ounce) package shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 tablespoon butter, to grease casserole dish

Steps:

  • Cook pasta to aldente stage, put in strainer, do not rinse and set aside to completely drain.
  • Heat large saute pan, add olive oil, onion, sweet red peppers, hot crushed red pepper flakes and garlic.
  • Saute on low until soft, not brown.
  • Place in a small bowl and set aside.
  • In same pan, brown sausage until cooked through.
  • If not using Jimmy Dean Sausage, remove any excess fat.
  • Return vegetable mixture back to pan and add tomato sauce, basil, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Grease 2 quart casserole, put 1/2 of the pasta, cover with 1/2 of the meat/sauce mixture, lay slices of 1/2 of the zucchini, sprinkle 1/2 of the cheese, repeat with a second layer of pasta, meat/sauce mixture, zucchini slices, ending with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake covered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, remove cover and bake until lightly brown, about 10 minutes.

ITALIAN BEEF PASTA BAKE



Italian Beef Pasta Bake image

This recipe is out of a Super Food Ideas magazine, which they sell at the supermarket here in Oz. I have modified the recipe to suit my family and it is quick and easy but tastes great.

Provided by Newiegirl

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

500 g 95% lean ground beef
2 -3 cups macaroni noodles, cooked (originally 1 cup)
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
425 g diced tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons sweet paprika (I use a bit more than this, I just add more till it tastes right)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper
1/2 cup tasty low-fat cheddar cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to directions. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  • Spray a frypan lightly with cooking oil spray and cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add mince beef and cook until well browned.
  • Add the can of tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, paprika, herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add cooked macaroni to sauce and stir through. You can adjust the amount of pasta according to how you like it.
  • Pour into greased casserole dish and top with grated cheese and bake in the oven for about 15 mins until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.2, Fat 8.4, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 80.5, Sodium 467.8, Carbohydrate 53.8, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 9.4, Protein 38.7

ITALIAN BROCCOLI AND SALMON PASTA BAKE



ITALIAN BROCCOLI AND SALMON PASTA BAKE image

Categories     Fish     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

250g penne
300g broccoli, cut into large florets
25g butter
25g plain flour
600ml milk
100g mascarpone (not used)
8 sundried tomatoes (preserved in olive oil), drained and thickly sliced (not used)
2 tbsp small capers
8 anchovy fillets, halved (optional)
10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
4 fresh skinless salmon fillets
50g mature cheddar, finely grated

Steps:

  • Boil pasta for 6 minutes. Add broccoli florets for 4 minutes or until almost tender. Make the white sauce. Add the capers and anchovy fillets and basil. Drain the pasta. Add the white sauce and season well. Place small pieces of salmon in a greased baking tin. Pour over the white sauce mix. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 30mins

ITALIAN SPINACH & PASTA BAKE



Italian Spinach & Pasta Bake image

We love this served along side of several different chicken recipes that I make. It's cheesy and delicious. You can turn this into a main dish by doubling the recipe and adding 2 cups of cubed chicken, pork, meatballs, sausage, shrimp or whatever you like directly to it before baking. It's a very flexible dish.

Provided by Realtor by day

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup red onion, diced small
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 (10 ounce) package chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 3qt baking dish.
  • Boil the water and cook the pasta according to package directions. DO NOT ever add oil to the water! It will make your sauce slide off the pasta later.
  • Meanwhile heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream, romano cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Whisk and cook until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add spinach.
  • In a little bowl, mix the ricotta and the egg together and add this and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to mix everything up and spoon into baking dish.
  • Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and then a little paprika to give it a pretty color. Return to oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.

ITALIAN - CHEESY BACON / CHICKEN PASTA BAKE



Italian - Cheesy Bacon / Chicken Pasta Bake image

This is a recipe I threw together out of ingredients I wanted to use up in my pantry. If I must say so it was fantastic. The family loved it. Whats not to love with the use of bacon?...that is what set this dish off...I placed it on the top to bake, so as to stay crunchy. You may add it into the casserole if that's what you...

Provided by Cassie *

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb 16 ounce pasta of your choice
1 lb bacon, cooked crisp
5 - 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed and cooked
1 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 c onion
4 clove garlic, minced
2 ( 14.5 ounce ) cans diced tomatoes with garlic, basil and oregano
4 c mozzarella cheese, divided
2 c heavy whipping cream
oregano, dried
salt and pepper to season chicken

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray, set aside. Cook and drain your pasta. Set aside.
  • 2. In a large skillet fry your bacon crisp, remove to a paper towel to drain.
  • 3. Save about 4 tablespoons of bacon grease, and brown your seasoned chicken in the same skillet till juices no longer run pink.
  • 4. In another large skillet or you can use the same one as chicken, once removed. Brown your onions and garlic with the olive oil. Till tender.
  • 5. Next, add your tomatoes and cream, bring to a slow boil for 3 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes until begins to thicken some. Stir in the cream cheese and half the mozzarella cheese until thoroughly blended. Add the chicken to the sauce.
  • 6. In the dutch oven I boiled my pasta in; add the pan of sauce to the pasta, and stir till evenly coated. Spread the pasta into the baking dish. sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Then top cheese with oregano. And finally top with bacon.
  • 7. Place the dish into the oven, and bake for approx 40 - 45 minutes or until bubbly. I then placed under a broiler to brown a bit more ( do not have to ). Let the pasta set for 5 minutes before serving. I served the pasta with buttered Vienna bread. Enjoy!

ITALIAN TUNA PASTA BAKE



Italian Tuna Pasta Bake image

This is definitely not your grandmother's tuna casserole. Rotini pasta, tomatoes, spinach and a rich, cheesy white sauce update this classic, and prove irresistible. You can also bake this in individual ramekins and freeze so it can be reheated for a quick, personal meal. Recipe is from Disney's Family Fun website.

Provided by PSU Lioness

Categories     Tuna

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups fusilli (or any other kind of pasta)
1/2 onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon cornflour
1/2 cup water
1 (14 ounce) can low-sodium tomato soup, condensed
1 pinch mixed herbs
1 -2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 (7 ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons plain flour
one and a quarter cups milk
2 cups Baby Spinach, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated, plus a little extra for the topping

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F
  • Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and refresh in cold water to stop it from over cooking.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion until soft.
  • Stir the corn flour into the water until dissolved, then add to the onion pan along with the tomato soup.
  • Bring to a boil, add the herbs and then cook gently, stirring for five minutes.
  • Mix in the flaked tuna and heat through. Season to taste.
  • Mix into cooked pasta.
  • For the cheese and spinach sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion until transparent.
  • Add the flour and continue stirring the mixture all the time.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
  • Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the 2 c grated Cheddar cheese.
  • Grease a baking dish and add the tuna and tomato mixed with the pasta, and then pour the spinach sauce over top.
  • Sprinkle with some grated Cheddar cheese and bake in the oven for 25 minutes until golden.
  • This can also be frozen. Assemble casserole but do not sprinkle with cheese or bake. Thaw in refrigerator before baking. Sprinkle with cheese and bake according to normal instructions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.4, Fat 16, SaturatedFat 9.4, Cholesterol 52.7, Sodium 221.7, Carbohydrate 14.4, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 6.3, Protein 14.3

ITALIAN PASTA BAKE



Italian Pasta Bake image

This is an Italian pasta recipe that I found on the back of a package of Penne pasta. Although the original recipe didn't call for it, I also added a quarter cup of dried minced onion. You could probably also tweek it up a bit by adding a can of diced tomatoes.

Provided by Kimberly Kay

Categories     Beef

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 oz.) pkg penne pasta
1 lb ground beef (i used ground sirloin)
1 tsp italian seasoning
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1 (26 oz.) jar(s) spaghetti sauce
2/3 c grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • 2. Cook and drain pasta according to package directions.
  • 3. Brown meat in a large skillet with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then drain.
  • 4. Combine pasta, meat and spaghetti sauce, mixing in 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese; spoon mixture into a 13 X 9-inch baking dish; top with Mozzarella and remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan.
  • 5. Bake 20 minutes, or until heated through.

ITALIAN PASTA BAKE



Italian Pasta Bake image

Quick, easy and versatile!

Provided by Cheryl Parsons

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 jar(s) spaghetti sauce
2 lb meat of your choice, beef, turkey, ect.
1 c parmesan cheese
4 c mozzerella cheese
1 lb pasta of your choice

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the spaghetti as directed, drain. In another pan cook meat, drain. At this point you can add pepperoni, sausage or mushrooms.
  • 2. Add meat into pasta, add jarred or homemade sauce, and cheeses. Mix well. Now you can either cook it on the stove covered on low, or pour into a 13 by 9 pan in the oven for 30 minutes on 350. Very quick easy week nite meal.
  • 3. Serve with garlic bread, salad and extra Parmesan.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the pasta bake will taste. Look for fresh, flavorful vegetables, a good quality pasta sauce, and a creamy cheese.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. A combination of cheeses will give the pasta bake a more complex and flavorful taste. Try using a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a pasta bake. Try adding different vegetables, meats, or cheeses. You can also experiment with different types of pasta.

Conclusion:

Pasta bakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. With a little creativity, you can create a pasta bake that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #60-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #preparation     #main-dish     #beef     #pasta     #dietary     #one-dish-meal     #oamc-freezer-make-ahead     #meat     #pasta-rice-and-grains     #number-of-servings

Related Topics