One-Pot Cheesy Pasta Bake (View Print Version)

A comforting baked pasta layered with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta such as 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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot means minimal cleanup—no separate boiling, draining, or multiple dishes to wash
  • Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast
  • Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins
  • The combination of three cheeses creates layers of flavor from gooey to sharp
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Use a pot that can go from stovetop to oven—a Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution
  • Don't skip the resting time after baking; it helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier
  • Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded varieties
  • For extra flavor depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce
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