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Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake in a black oval baking dish garnished with basil

Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake

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This Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake is a family favorite for the ultimate comfort food dish. It's filling, delicious, and oh... did I mention cheesy?
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword Cheese, Easy, Family Dinner, Pasta Bake, Waste Reduction
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
  • 16 ounces Penne Rigate
  • 24.5 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce 24.5 oz = 3 cups
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 ounces Italian shredded cheese blend
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella
  • 1 handful Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and boil about 10 cups of water for your pasta.
  • Add the mushrooms and onions to a large pan over medium heat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (optional). Cook until the mushrooms shrink and the onions turn translucent—about 5 minutes.
    1 large yellow onion, diced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
  • Once water is boiling, cook pasta until al dente, according to the directions on the box (usually about 6-10 minutes). Strain and set aside to dry completely.
    16 ounces Penne Rigate
  • Add the marinara sauce to the mushrooms and onions to cook off any excess liquid in the sauce. Turn the heat source down to low. and stir frequently to avoid splatter.
    24.5 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • Once your sauce thickens, add the cream cheese, shredded Italian blend cheese, and minced garlic and stir over low heat to combine.
    4 cloves garlic, minced, 4 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces Italian shredded cheese blend
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and remove it from heat. Stir until the pasta is coated.
  • Transfer the pasta to a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Top with an even, thin layer of mozzarella.
    4 ounces shredded mozzarella
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheesy top is golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy with family and friends, or keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
    1 handful Fresh basil for garnish

Notes

  • You will most likely have leftovers. This actually reheats really well in the microwave if you cover it with saran wrap. It’s just as good the next day!
  • I actually use light cream cheese in this because I’ve had it both ways and can’t tell the difference. This is by no means a low calories dish, but may as well cut where you can!
  • Sometimes I add more vegetables, too. It's delicious with spinach, broccoli, and peppers. Just cook the extra vegetables with the onion and the mushroom.
  • Reducing your meat consumption significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Be kind to the planet (as well as your tastebuds!) with more of these delicious meatless pasta meals.