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Easy Cheesy Lazy Girl Ricotta Pasta Bake

easy cheesy lazy girl ricotta pasta bake - featured image
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A quick and comforting pasta bake featuring creamy ricotta and melty cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 12 ounces (340 g) of penne. Cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) marinara into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated.
  6. Gently fold in 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta, 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan. Stir until evenly distributed but do not overmix.
  7. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. For extra browning, broil for 2 minutes watching carefully.
  9. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture. Freshly grate mozzarella and Parmesan for best melting. Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Let the bake rest before serving to set the cheese. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick before mixing. Variations include adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked Italian sausage for protein. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked pasta

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-cheesy-lazy-girl-ricotta-pasta-bake-recipe-for-quick-dinners/