Oven Baked PastaOven-baked pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners and gatherings. It's a versatile recipe that can be..
Oven-baked pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners and gatherings. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it a favorite for many home cooks. The dish typically involves layering cooked pasta with a rich tomato or cream-based sauce, along with cheese, vegetables, and sometimes meat, before baking it to perfection. To make oven-baked pasta, start by cooking your pasta of choice—penne, ziti, or rigatoni work well—in salted boiling water until it's just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Meanwhile, prepare a sauce, which could be a classic marinara or a creamy Alfredo, depending on your preference. For a heartier dish, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the sauce, along with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Once the pasta and sauce are ready, mix them together and transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Generously top with shredded cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan are popular choices—and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta is cooked through. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking. Oven-baked pasta is often served with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. The result is a deliciously cheesy, warm dish with a slightly crispy top layer and a rich, flavorful interior, making it a beloved comfort food that's sure to please a crowd.
