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30 Baked Pasta Recipes That Are Pure Crowd-Pleasers

There’s something about baked pasta that just hits different. That bubbling cheese, the crispy edges, the way all the flavors melt together—it’s everything we want in a warm, no-fuss dinner.

Whether we’re feeding the whole table, making leftovers for the week, or just need something that feels like comfort food, baked pasta always comes through.

These 30 recipes bring all kinds of flavors to the table. Some are creamy, some are saucy, some are totally meatless—but every single one is made to share.

Table of Contents

1. Classic Baked Ziti

Classic Baked Ziti Recipe – Food.com
This baked ziti recipe is a simple Italian casserole dish that my family enjoys.
Check out this recipe

This is the one we pull out when we need a sure thing. It’s simple, cheesy, and always a win.
Ziti gets tossed with tomato sauce, layered with ricotta and mozzarella, then baked until everything’s gooey and golden. We don’t overthink it—just assemble and go.

Why it works

  • Built-in layers of melty cheese and pasta
  • Ricotta keeps it creamy inside while the top gets crispy
  • Great with or without meat

What we need

Ziti or penne, marinara or tomato sauce, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, garlic, dried oregano or basil


2. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Chicken and penne pasta simmer together in a garlicky, creamy broth, and are quickly baked between cheesy layers of Parmesan and mozzarella.
Check out this recipe

Think of it like fettuccine Alfredo, but sturdier and way easier to serve.
We mix shredded chicken into creamy Alfredo sauce, fold it with pasta, and top it all with mozzarella before it goes in the oven. The top gets bubbly and golden while the inside stays saucy.

Why it works

  • Chicken adds protein and makes it feel like a full meal
  • Alfredo sauce coats every bite
  • Melts down into serious comfort food

What we need

Rotini or penne, cooked chicken (shredded or chopped), Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, parsley or black pepper


3. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
An easy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe, with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, fresh spinach, and jumbo pasta shells. A hearty, crowd-pleasing vegetarian meal.
Check out this recipe

This one always looks like more work than it actually is. And it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
We stuff jumbo pasta shells with a simple mix of ricotta, spinach, and parmesan. Then we lay them in a dish of marinara and bake until everything bubbles and the cheese starts to brown.

Why it works

  • Feels fancy but takes minimal prep
  • Works well for vegetarians
  • Freezes like a dream—great for prepping ahead

What we need

Jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, frozen spinach (thawed and drained), egg, parmesan, mozzarella, marinara sauce


4. Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake – Drizzle Me Skinny!
My buffalo chicken pasta bake is one of my most popular recipes, simple to make and taste amazing, it lightened up and WW friendly.
Check out this recipe

It’s like buffalo wings met mac and cheese and got baked into one ridiculously good dish.
We mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and a creamy cheese base, stir in pasta, and bake until it’s crispy on top. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing at the end doesn’t hurt.

Why it works

  • Spicy, creamy, cheesy—it checks all the boxes
  • Great for feeding a group or bringing to potlucks
  • Easy to adjust the heat level

What we need

Pasta (penne or elbows), shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce (like Frank’s), shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)


5. Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping. Definitely a keeper!
Check out this recipe

Mac and cheese is already good—but baked with a golden crust? Even better.
We make a stovetop cheese sauce with milk and butter, toss in cooked pasta, then top it all with breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Into the oven it goes until the top is golden and crunchy.

Why it works

  • Creamy underneath, crispy on top
  • Easy to double or scale down
  • Great base for mix-ins (bacon, jalapeño, or broccoli)

What we need

Elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika (optional)


6. Baked Ravioli Casserole

Baked Ravioli Casserole
Baked Ravioli Casserole is so quick and easy because it is just 4 ingredients, 5 minutes to assemble, 40 minutes to bake and you are
Check out this recipe

We use frozen ravioli for this one, so there’s barely any prep and it still feels like a full meal.
The ravioli goes straight into the baking dish with sauce and cheese—no boiling, no layering, just stack and bake. The pasta cooks in the sauce, and everything melts into one big cheesy pan of comfort.

Why it works

  • No need to pre-cook the ravioli
  • Layers of melty cheese and sauce keep it rich
  • Super kid-friendly and weeknight-approved

What we need

Frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, dried Italian herbs


7. Baked Spaghetti Pie

Baked Spaghetti Pie – Tastes Better From Scratch
This baked Spaghetti Pie recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight meal and sure to be loved by the entire family!
Check out this recipe

It’s like spaghetti and lasagna had a baby. And that baby holds together when we slice it.
We mix cooked spaghetti with eggs and cheese, press it into a pie dish, and fill the center with meat sauce and more cheese. Bake until set, then slice like a savory pie.

Why it works

  • Holds its shape when served
  • Crunchy on the outside, soft and saucy inside
  • Fun twist when we’re tired of regular spaghetti

What we need

Spaghetti, eggs, parmesan, shredded mozzarella, marinara sauce, ground beef or sausage


8. Butternut Squash and Sage Baked Pasta

Baked Penne Pasta with Butternut-Sage Sauce Recipe on Food52
A riff on Al Forno’s well-known and widely adored baked pasta, this pasta bake recipe uses penne noodles and calls for making a butternut squash-sage sauce.
Check out this recipe

Sweet squash, browned butter, and sage make this one feel a little more special.
Roasted squash gets mashed into a creamy base, then mixed with pasta and topped with cheese. Sage and a little nutmeg round it out with warm, fall-ish flavors.

Why it works

  • Butternut squash adds natural sweetness and creaminess
  • Pairs perfectly with nutty cheeses and herbs
  • Feels seasonal without being heavy

What we need

Pasta (rigatoni or penne), butternut squash (roasted), sage, parmesan, butter, milk or cream, nutmeg


9. Taco Pasta Bake

Taco Pasta Bake
This Taco Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting Mexican-inspired pasta casserole that is quick and easy enough to put together on a busy weeknight.
Check out this recipe

It’s taco night—only baked and covered in cheese.
We brown some beef, season it like tacos, then mix it with pasta, salsa, and shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly, then serve with sour cream or avocado if we’re feeling it.

Why it works

  • Taco flavors with the comfort of pasta
  • Holds up well for leftovers
  • Crowd-friendly with easy toppings

What we need

Ground beef or turkey, pasta (rotini or penne), taco seasoning, salsa, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend, optional sour cream or avocado


10. Baked Penne with Roasted Veggies

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables
Get Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables Recipe from Food Network
Check out this recipe

This one’s meat-free but still filling, with caramelized veggies and a layer of melted cheese.
We roast whatever vegetables we have—zucchini, peppers, onions—then stir them into sauced penne, top with cheese, and bake. It’s colorful, hearty, and a good fridge-cleanout meal.

Why it works

  • Roasted veggies bring sweetness and texture
  • Easy to swap in whatever’s on hand
  • Balanced without needing meat

What we need

Penne pasta, assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions), olive oil, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan


11. White Chicken Lasagna

This White Chicken Lasagna is creamy, delicious, and a must-try!
This White Chicken Lasagna blows traditional lasagna out of the water! With a creamy white sauce, shredded chicken, and spinach, it’s too good to resist.
Check out this recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shredded chicken and spinach.
Instead of red sauce, we use a white béchamel or Alfredo-style sauce layered with noodles, chicken, and mozzarella. It’s rich and comforting, but still feels a little lighter than traditional lasagna.

Why it works

  • White sauce is a welcome change from red
  • Layers hold together beautifully after baking
  • Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken

What we need

Lasagna noodles, cooked chicken, béchamel or Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella, ricotta or cottage cheese, baby spinach


12. Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella

Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Marinara, Basil, and Mozzarella
This super cheesy baked gnocchi recipe takes only 20 minutes to make and uses only FOUR ingredients- marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil, and pre-made gnocchi!
Check out this recipe

This one’s fast and cozy—gnocchi baked in sauce with big pieces of mozzarella melted on top.
We toss everything together in a dish and let the oven do the work. The gnocchi puff up slightly, and the cheese browns into a bubbly layer of goodness.

Why it works

  • No need to boil the gnocchi
  • Super minimal prep
  • Melts into a pillowy, cheesy bake

What we need

Shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi, marinara sauce, garlic, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, basil (optional)


13. Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Bake

Baked Eggplant Parmesan Pasta (Gluten Free)
This Baked Eggplant Parmesan Pasta has all the flavors and textures of the original, but made healthier and gluten free with Chickapea Pasta.
Check out this recipe

All the flavors of eggplant parm—without the breading and frying.
We cube and roast the eggplant first, then fold it into sauced pasta with cheese layered throughout. It’s hearty, rich, and way easier to pull off on a weeknight.

Why it works

  • Roasted eggplant keeps the texture tender, not soggy
  • Cheesy and saucy like the classic version
  • No deep-frying required

What we need

Eggplant (cubed), pasta (penne or ziti), marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, garlic


14. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Lighten Up :: Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Bake
A quick and easy, lightened up recipe for a Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Bake.
Check out this recipe

Kind of like mac and cheese with a little green thrown in.
We steam or blanch the broccoli, stir it into a cheddar-based cheese sauce with pasta, and bake until the edges brown. It’s cheesy with a little crunch and color from the broccoli.

Why it works

  • Broccoli cuts the richness just enough
  • Great side or main depending on the mood
  • Kids usually go for it too

What we need

Pasta (elbows or shells), broccoli florets, butter, milk, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper


15. Baked Feta Pasta with Rigatoni

Baked Feta Pasta
Get Baked Feta Pasta Recipe from Food Network
Check out this recipe

Based on that viral recipe, but we turned it into a full baked pasta dish.
We bake a block of feta with cherry tomatoes and olive oil until soft, then stir in cooked pasta and a little pasta water to make a creamy, tangy sauce. Works great with rigatoni to hold all the bits.

Why it works

  • The oven does all the sauce-making
  • Feta melts into a creamy base without effort
  • Cherry tomatoes add a sweet, bright balance

What we need

Rigatoni, block of feta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, red pepper flakes (optional)


16. Sausage and Peppers Pasta Bake

Sausage Pasta Bake with Peppers and Onions – Sip and Spice
This Sausage Pasta Bake with Peppers and Onions is a simple, delicious meal for a weeknight or for company. Pair with a side salad and garlic bread!
Check out this recipe

This one’s bold, meaty, and totally delivers on flavor.
We brown Italian sausage, toss it with sautéed bell peppers, pasta, and tomato sauce, then bake it all with mozzarella on top. It’s got all the things we like from a sausage and peppers sub—but baked and ready to scoop.

Why it works

  • Sweet peppers balance the salty sausage
  • Everything cooks together and holds its shape
  • Works with spicy or mild sausage

What we need

Pasta (penne or rotini), Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, olive oil


17. Baked Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Mushrooms

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake
Creamy mushroom pasta bake is the perfect combination of simple and decadent. Creamy ricotta and Fontina tossed with spinach, roasted mushrooms, thyme, nutmeg, and rigatoni and baked until bubbly.
Check out this recipe

Earthy, creamy, and really satisfying without any meat.
We roast a whole head of garlic until it’s soft and sweet, then mix it with mushrooms and pasta in a creamy white sauce. It bakes into a deep, savory dish that feels like comfort food but still feels light.

Why it works

  • Roasted garlic adds a mellow, almost sweet flavor
  • Mushrooms give it a meaty texture
  • Creamy base without needing tons of cheese

What we need

Pasta (fusilli or shells), mushrooms, roasted garlic, heavy cream or milk, parmesan, thyme or rosemary


18. Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pasta Bake
This meatball pasta bake can be made with just 5 simple store-bought ingredients or jazzed up with homemade Parmesan meatballs and marinara
Check out this recipe

This one’s like spaghetti and meatballs, but with more cheese and less mess.
We toss cooked pasta with marinara and meatballs, layer in cheese, and bake until bubbling. Use frozen meatballs to keep it easy, or homemade if we’ve got them ready.

Why it works

  • Meatballs keep their shape and soak up the sauce
  • Pasta and cheese hold it all together
  • Feeds a group easily

What we need

Pasta (ziti or rigatoni), cooked meatballs (frozen or fresh), marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, parmesan


19. Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta

Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
Tender chicken and veggies are combined with pasta and smothered in a cajun alreado sauce, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
Check out this recipe

Spicy, creamy, and full of flavor without needing much effort.
We season chicken with Cajun spices, brown it in the pan, then mix it with pasta and a creamy, lightly spicy sauce. A little cheese on top, and it’s ready for the oven.

Why it works

  • Cajun seasoning adds instant flavor
  • Creamy sauce cools down the spice just enough
  • Easy to make it as hot or mild as we want

What we need

Pasta (penne or rotini), chicken breast, Cajun seasoning, cream or half-and-half, shredded cheese, bell peppers (optional)


20. Baked Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera with Cream Cheese Alfredo Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®
Baked Pasta Primavera is filled with vegetables and a cream cheese alfredo sauce, then baked to perfection! This cream cheese pasta recipe is one of our favorite baked pasta dishes.
Check out this recipe

Loaded with colorful veggies and baked with just enough cheese to hold it all together.
We roast a bunch of seasonal vegetables, mix them with pasta and a light cheese sauce, and bake until golden on top. It’s fresh, filling, and totally flexible depending on what’s in the fridge.

Why it works

  • Balanced between light and cozy
  • Easy to use whatever veggies we have
  • Works great meatless or with added protein

What we need

Pasta (fusilli or penne), assorted vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, carrots, asparagus), olive oil, garlic, shredded mozzarella, parmesan


21. Three-Cheese Baked Rotini

Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Three Cheese Baked Ziti that is bubbly and browned, extra creamy, extra saucy, and incredibly easy!
Check out this recipe

Sometimes all we want is cheese, pasta, and more cheese.
This one goes heavy on mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. The rotini grabs onto all that cheesy sauce, and it bakes into a bubbling pan that never lasts long.

Why it works

  • Multiple cheeses = deeper flavor
  • Rotini holds onto sauce perfectly
  • Super creamy with just the right crispy top

What we need

Rotini, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning


22. Baked Tortellini with Spinach and Tomato Cream Sauce

Baked Tortellini with Spinach & Cream Cheese
Tortellini baked in a spinach packed cream cheese sauce! With just seven ingredients and no need to precook the tortellini, this is an easy one pot meal.
Check out this recipe

Cheese-filled pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and a handful of greens—it’s a full meal in one pan.
We use store-bought tortellini, toss it in a tomato cream sauce with spinach, and bake until it’s bubbling. Fast to prep and still feels special.

Why it works

  • Tortellini adds a rich bite on its own
  • Creamy sauce with just a little tomato keeps it light
  • Great way to sneak in greens

What we need

Cheese tortellini, canned tomatoes, cream, garlic, baby spinach, shredded mozzarella, olive oil


23. Baked Carbonara Pasta

Carbonara Pasta Bake
All the robust richness of pasta carbonara baked into a 13×9 casserole dish. Bacon and Parmesan cheese are the hero flavors in this hearty pasta that goes beyond the basic red-sauce bake.
Check out this recipe

We took all the flavors of carbonara and turned it into a no-fuss pasta bake.
We mix pasta with cooked bacon, eggs, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water to make a creamy coating. Baked with mozzarella on top, it’s smoky, rich, and totally comforting.

Why it works

  • Eggs and cheese make a silky sauce
  • Bacon adds flavor to every bite
  • No standing at the stove—just stir and bake

What we need

Pasta (spaghetti or penne), bacon, eggs, parmesan, black pepper, mozzarella


24. Stuffed Pasta Shells with Meat Sauce

Stuffed Pasta Shells for Meat-Lovers Recipe – Food.com
These are quite possible the best you can make! I came up with this recipe to satisfy my carnivorous family and incorporate my love for Italian food.
Check out this recipe

Big shells filled with ricotta and herbs, laid on top of hearty meat sauce, then baked with cheese.
We prep the filling while the meat sauce simmers, then stuff the shells and let the oven finish the job. It feels like a big dinner, but doesn’t take all day.

Why it works

  • Filling stays soft inside while the tops get golden
  • Ground beef sauce makes it extra hearty
  • Great for doubling or freezing

What we need

Jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, marinara, ground beef, shredded mozzarella, parmesan


25. Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake with spinach and roasted tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. This restaurant-worthy pasta will become an instant favorite.
Check out this recipe

Herby, cheesy, and super satisfying.
We mix cooked chicken and pasta with pesto, layer it with mozzarella, and bake until gooey. It’s got tons of flavor and works great for leftovers too.

Why it works

  • Pesto adds flavor without needing a sauce
  • Melty mozzarella makes it rich and gooey
  • Easy to customize with veggies or different proteins

What we need

Cooked chicken, pasta (penne or shells), jarred pesto, shredded mozzarella, cherry tomatoes (optional), parmesan


26. Baked Chicken Parm Pasta

Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta – Two Peas & Their Pod
Chicken parmesan and cheesy baked pasta are made in one pan! This easy cheese baked pasta is a family favorite dinner!
Check out this recipe

Everything we love about chicken parm, layered into a cheesy pasta bake.
We use chopped breaded chicken—store-bought or homemade—and layer it with sauced pasta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top. It’s saucy, crunchy, and always a hit.

Why it works

  • All the chicken parm flavor, none of the frying mess
  • Breadcrumb topping adds that crispy finish
  • Easy to prep ahead or turn into leftovers

What we need

Breaded chicken (frozen or leftover), pasta (rigatoni or penne), marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs


27. Baked Pasta with Sausage and Kale

Italian Sausage and Kale Pasta Bake – The Home Cook’s Kitchen
This Italian Sausage and Kale Pasta bake is the perfect dinner for two! A cheesy pasta skillet bake, sized just right for two, loaded with Italian sausage and kale and on the table in just 35 minutes! This delicious dinner for two is simple to make and clean up is a breeze.
Check out this recipe

This one hits that balance between rich and hearty without feeling heavy.
Sautéed sausage and wilted kale get tossed with pasta and a light tomato sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until the top crisps. It’s got great texture and flavor with just a handful of ingredients.

Why it works

  • Sausage flavors the whole dish
  • Kale softens but keeps its bite
  • Perfect for fall and winter nights

What we need

Italian sausage, pasta (rotini or penne), kale (or spinach), garlic, tomato sauce, mozzarella, olive oil


28. Baked Pasta Marinara with Chickpeas

Pasta with Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce – Mangia Bedda
When there’s not much in the fridge you can have Pasta and Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce ready in 30 minutes. Dellicious, comforting and healthy!
Check out this recipe

No meat? No problem. This one’s still packed with protein and totally comforting.
We stir canned chickpeas into a garlicky marinara sauce, fold it into pasta, and bake with cheese. It’s simple, filling, and good for nights when we need something meatless that still satisfies.

Why it works

  • Chickpeas hold up well to baking
  • Marinara keeps things bright and flavorful
  • Feels familiar and cozy without any meat

What we need

Pasta (rigatoni or shells), canned chickpeas, garlic, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, parsley


29. Baked Alfredo Tortellini with Bacon

Alfredo Tortellini Bake
This 35-minute Alfredo tortellini bake is a comforting and cozy pasta bake that your entire family will enjoy. It’s a cheesy meatless main course that’s simple to make!
Check out this recipe

Cheesy tortellini in Alfredo sauce, layered with crispy bacon and baked until golden.
We mix it all together and throw it in the oven. The sauce thickens, the edges get brown, and the bacon takes it over the top.

Why it works

  • Bacon adds just the right smoky crunch
  • Tortellini stays soft and rich
  • Alfredo turns bubbly and thick in the oven

What we need

Cheese tortellini, Alfredo sauce, cooked bacon (crumbled), black pepper, shredded mozzarella


30. Caprese Baked Pasta

Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake.
Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake, a fresh and easy spring dinner the entire family will enjoy. Pasta tossed with slowly roasted cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, burrata cheese, and prosciutto. All baked until the cheese is melty and the prosciutto extra crisp. Sure to be a dinner you’ll make on repeat!
Check out this recipe

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, pasta, and basil all baked together until it’s hot and bubbly.
This one’s bright but cozy. We toss cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese, then bake and finish with a big handful of basil. Think Caprese salad turned into dinner.

Why it works

  • Juicy tomatoes burst and mix with olive oil for an easy sauce
  • Mozzarella gets stretchy and browned on top
  • Basil adds freshness at the end

What we need

Pasta (shells or penne), cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper

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