One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta

One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish where tender pasta bakes in a rich tomato sauce, infused with garlic, fresh basil, and melty cheese—all in one pan. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is everything you want in an easy pasta bake: minimal cleanup, big flavor, and comforting textures. The basil adds freshness, the cheese turns beautifully golden and gooey, and baking the pasta right in the sauce saves time and effort. It’s great for feeding a family or meal prepping, and it’s endlessly customizable with add-ins or protein options.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Uncooked short pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• Canned crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Water or vegetable broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Optional: ricotta or cream cheese for added creaminess

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, crushed tomatoes or marinara, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Stir to combine.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from oven and stir in fresh chopped basil. Add optional ricotta or cream cheese at this stage if using.
5. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
6. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked sausage, ground beef, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers before baking.
• Creamier Version: Stir in a dollop of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese topping.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—adjust liquid amounts slightly as needed.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
If pasta seems dry after reheating, stir in a splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

This recipe is designed for uncooked pasta so it can absorb flavor during baking. Pre-cooked pasta may turn mushy.

What’s the best type of cheese?

Mozzarella is great for meltiness; Parmesan adds sharpness. Add ricotta or cream cheese for creaminess.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble everything in the pan and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

Does it matter what pasta I use?

Short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or fusilli work best. Avoid long noodles, which may not bake evenly.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use vegan cheese and a dairy-free ricotta alternative. Ensure the pasta and broth are plant-based.

Can I use jarred marinara?

Absolutely—jarred marinara adds convenience and works well in this recipe.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Keep the dish tightly covered while baking to trap moisture. Don’t overbake.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze this?

Yes, freeze baked pasta portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Do I have to use fresh basil?

Fresh basil adds great flavor, but you can use 1–2 teaspoons of dried basil if needed.

Conclusion

One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the best parts of a classic pasta bake with minimal effort and cleanup. With its rich tomato flavor, gooey cheese, and fragrant basil, this is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly delicious.

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