One-Pot Cheesy Pasta Bake (Print Version)

A warm pasta dish with gooey cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredients List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)

→ Sauce

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Cheeses

12 - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
04 - Add the uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
09 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pot means one cleanup, which feels like a small victory on busy weeknights.
  • The cheese gets all melty and golden on top while the pasta soaks up every bit of that tomato sauce underneath.
02 -
  • Don't skip letting the pasta cook on the stovetop first—you want it just shy of done before it goes in the oven because it continues cooking there.
  • If your liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth; if there's too much liquid left, let it simmer a bit longer before adding cheese.
03 -
  • Use a mix of cheeses rather than just one—the combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates layers of flavor that a single cheese can't.
  • Don't rush the cheese topping step; let it bubble and develop some golden spots on top, which means the flavors have married together beautifully.
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