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Cheesy Pasta Casserole

This dish involves layering cooked pasta with marinara sauce and cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden. The final casserole features a crispy top with a gooey, cheesy interior and tender pasta throughout, offering a comforting and satisfying texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti) uncooked
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
  3. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor from the start.
  4. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, distributing it evenly to cover the base of the dish.
  5. Spoon and spread about half of the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta layer, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce-covered pasta.
  7. Repeat the layering process: add the remaining pasta, then the rest of the marinara sauce, followed by the remaining cheeses.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and crispy.
  10. Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. The edges will be crispy, while the center remains gooey and cheesy.
  11. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, cheesy pasta treat with perfectly baked, bubbly, and golden top.