Easy No Boil Pasta Bake – Effortless Cheesy Comfort Food
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If you’re craving comfort food but don’t want the hassle of cooking pasta separately, this Easy No Boil Pasta Bake is your new best friend. Everything goes into the baking dish raw – pasta, sauce, cheese, and seasonings – then the oven does all the work. The result? A rich, hearty, and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Easy No Boil Pasta Bake
- No pre-cooking required – pasta cooks right in the oven.
- One dish meal – minimal prep, minimal cleanup.
- Cheesy & hearty – gooey mozzarella and Parmesan make it irresistible.
- Family favorite – budget-friendly and kid-approved.
What Is a No Boil Pasta Bake?
Instead of boiling pasta separately, no boil pasta bake relies on enough liquid (sauce + broth or water) to cook the pasta while baking. The noodles soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce, resulting in a rich, cohesive dish with tender pasta and perfectly melted cheese.
Ingredients (Exact)
- 1 lb uncooked penne or ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
How to Make Easy No Boil Pasta Bake
- Preheat oven – to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the base – In a large 9×13 baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until pasta is fully coated.
- Add cheese layers – Spread ricotta over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake covered – Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish uncovered – Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, then bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve – Top with fresh parsley or basil before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- Protein boost – add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken before baking.
- Veggie version – stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Extra creamy – mix in heavy cream or extra ricotta.
- Make ahead – assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or shells works great. Avoid long pasta.
What if my pasta is still a little firm?
Bake covered for an extra 5–10 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze unbaked (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to cooking time.
Conclusion
This Easy No Boil Pasta Bake proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one dish, simple ingredients, and no pre-boiling required, you’ll have a cheesy, hearty dinner that’s perfect for family nights or potlucks. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a complete, stress-free meal.
