Our Best Baked Pasta Recipes

There's something about a bubbling, cheesy baked pasta dish that just screams comfort. Sure, you could make pasta on the stovetop, but there's a certain magic that happens in the oven.

The Perfectly Baked Pasta

When making baked pasta, it's important to undercook the noodles when boiling them initially. They should be just shy of al dente since they'll continue to cook in the oven. This helps to achieve that perfect texture where the edges are crispy and golden while the inside remains molten and gooey.

Cheesy and Veggie-Loaded Pasta Bakes

We've got a collection of our best baked pasta recipes, including options with cheese, veggies, and modern twists on old classics. Here are a few of our favorites:

Cauliflower and Cheese Baked Pasta

This baked pasta dish has an ultra-cheesy, alfredo-like sauce that will make your taste buds sing. It's also a sneaky way to get your veggies in, with the cauliflower virtually undetectable.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This tuna casserole not only has melty cheddar cheese but also a crunchy potato chip topping. Be sure to undercook the egg noodles for that perfect bite.

Three-Meat Lasagna

Our best lasagna recipe uses three types of meat: ground beef, ground pork, and chopped pancetta. The beef and pork are formed into meatballs and seared to make a moist, richly caramelized ragù.

Ravioli and Mushroom Skillet

Ready in just 25 minutes, this ravioli and mushroom skillet is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It's broiled in the oven just before serving to give it a crispy topping.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe won't disappoint. Don't worry if the cheese sauce looks thin at first—it will thicken as it bakes with the noodles.

Baked Ziti with Parmesan Béchamel

This baked ziti uses a creamy Parmesan béchamel instead of ricotta for a dish that's sure to impress. Penne or rigatoni will work well if you don't have ziti pasta on hand.

Spinach Lasagna

If you love pesto pasta, you'll adore this spinach lasagna. It's thinner than traditional lasagna and is baked in a sheet pan for ultra-crispy edges.

Manicotti with Marinara Sauce

These delicate manicotti shells swim in marinara sauce and are sure to become a family favorite. This version uses thin homemade crepes (crespelle in Italian) instead of traditional manicotti shells.

Greek Pastitsio

This classic Greek dish is the perfect make-ahead meal for entertaining. We recommend cooking the meat sauce the day before to help it thicken and spread on top of the pasta in a defined layer.

Spicy Broccoli Rabe and Cheddar Bake

This spicy baked pasta dish is perfect for those who love broccoli cheddar soup. Broccoli rabe adds bitterness, while sharp white cheddar and heavy cream bring the richness.

Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

You can't escape the madness that is TikTok's baked feta pasta trend. Our version includes extra-spicy Calabrian chile paste and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Carbonara Lasagna

This gooey carbonara lasagna is sure to be a hit. Stuffed with pancetta, ricotta, Fontina, and Parmesan, eggs are baked right on top for that perfect carbonara effect.

Lazy Lasagna

No boiling of pasta noodles is necessary for this lazy lasagna recipe. They'll soften thanks to the moisture in the tomato sauce and cottage cheese mixture.

Butternut Squash Baked Pasta

This creamy butternut squash sauce comes together quickly in the blender. Top with crushed hazelnuts and a drizzle of olive oil for a perfect fall meal.