23 Baked Pasta Recipes for the Ultimate Warm and Cozy Dinner (2024)

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

A classic midweek meal, baked ziti pasta gains complex flavor from fire-roasted tomatoes, a white wine cream sauce, and a trio of gooey cheeses. Even better, the pasta bake can be prepared a few days in advance so all you have to do is pop it in the oven.

Tortellini Emilia

Filled with prosciutto and topped with a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese, this impressive oven-baked pasta is named after Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Don't have any prosciutto or pancetta on hand? Throw in leftover cubed ham.

Turkey Manicotti

Use cooked turkey instead of ground beef for this delicious make-ahead manicotti. It also saves on the calorie count while still keeping you satisfied thanks to its 30 grams of protein per serving.

Orzo, Pancetta, and Provolone Bake with Turkey Meatballs

Stuffed with orzo, pancetta, roasted sweet peppers, and juicy turkey meatballs, this delicious pasta bake has it all. For a crunchy finish, top with bread crumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Mexican Rigatoni and Cheese

Black beans, chorizo sausage, and pobano chile pepper transform this baked pasta recipe into a dinnertime fiesta. A topping of cilantro and pico de gallo finishes the delicious pasta bake.

Bolognese Lasagna with Porcini-Ricotta Filling

Update your classic lasagna recipe with a mouthwatering porcini-ricotta filling. The cheesy mushroom mix melds perfectly with a trio of fresh veggies and spicy Italian sausage for an undeniable pasta bake dinner.

Buy It: Our Table Rectangular Baker ($20, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

It doesn't get much better than chicken and noodles in a creamy, buttery sauce. Add this classic pasta bake to the menu any time you need a comforting dinner. You can easily make this pasta casserole recipe a little more filling by using our veggie variation with asparagus or broccoli added to the mix.

Four-Cheese Butternut Spaghetti Pie

This delicious pasta bake comes together in a single pot by starting on the stove top and finishing in the oven. The four kinds of cheese include provolone, feta, Parmesan, and cottage cheese to bring the ultimate combo of tangy, nutty, and creamy. Butternut squash adds distinct fall flavor and a healthy boost of vitamins A and C.

Stuffed Manicotti

Cheese-lovers, rejoice! Kids and adults alike will love this customizable stuffed pasta bake. Choose between our Test Kitchen's delish cheesy ricotta or spinach-pancetta filling for your stuffed manicotti shells. From there, top with a homemade meat sauce or parmesan sauce.

Asparagus-Tuna Casserole

Give tuna casserole a spring update with the help of fresh asparagus, Kalamata olives, and tiny new potatoes. A hint of lemon peel adds light, citrusy flavor to the baked penne pasta.

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

This pasta bake is like a filling, meaty version of spinach artichoke dip. It's got cheesy, buttery goodness with an irresistible bread crumb topping. Use purchased rotisserie chicken to get the pasta casserole recipe on the table faster.

Ham and Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

These miniature pasta bakes are the perfect meal for two. Smothered in a rich cheese sauce, spinach and ham blend with whole grain pasta, which adds fiber to the easy pasta dish that's ready in just 40 minutes. This is also a great recipe to use up the leftover ham in the fridge.

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Creamy Corn and Macaroni Bake

If mac and cheese is a go-to potluck dish for you, the guests will swoon for this baked pasta dish. White cheddar and Parmesan cheese go into the creamy sauce that's loaded with golden corn, pancetta, and green onions. Shred blocks of cheese by hand so you get the perfect melty consistency you want. The pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make it harder to melt.

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin Tomato Sauce

This comforting baked ziti pasta includes fire-roasted tomatoes and pumpkin, making it perfect for a fall dinner. Cream and white wine add richness to the pasta bake. Add some crushed red pepper to give a bit of heat to every bite.

Tortellini and Garden Vegetable Bake

Filled with bright garden veggies, this fresh and flavorful tortellini bake is a spring staple. A cream cheese sauce coats the pasta bake, which is a healthy choice for both potlucks and weeknight dinner.

Mile-High Meatless Lasagna Pie

Serve this grandiose stacked pasta bake at your next dinner party for a seriously impressive main dish. The vegetarian lasagna is loaded with so many fresh veggies and rich ricotta cheese, you'll hardly miss the meat.

Cheesy Bacon and Leek Pasta Bake

Only six ingredients are required to make this decadent pasta casserole recipe. Leeks add the perfect amount of mild onion flavor while crispy bacon adds a salty crunch. Add some extra richness to the pasta bake by sprinkling extra cheese after it's out of the oven.

Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Chicken enchiladas and pasta? It doesn't get much better than this mouthwatering combination. A mix of chicken, peppers, onion, jalapeño, and refried beans stuffs jumbo shells, which are then topped with shredded cheese and baked to perfection.

Hamburger Cheese Bake

Ditch the bun and bake up this potluck-ready hamburger pasta casserole recipe. Complete with a dreamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, you won't believe the baked pasta is only 311 calories per serving.

Test Kitchen Tip: For an even easier weeknight dinner, prepare the meal 24 hours in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Inside-Out Spaghetti Pie

Who says you can't play with your food? The entire family will love this fun take on classic spaghetti in which traditional Italian meatballs serve as a crust to a yummy pasta and tomato sauce filling.

Cheesy Italian Meatball Casserole

Enjoy all the flavors of lasagna minus the effort by making this delicious baked pasta dish for dinner tonight. Frozen meatballs combine with your choice of a tomato-sauced penne or ziti pasta along with dollops of a Parmesan-ricotta cheese mixture. Serve with crusty bread for sopping up the sauce.

Easy Baked Cavatelli

For an easy cheesy pasta bake ready in under an hour, look no further than this baked cavatelli. Add a sprinkle of basil leaves before serving for a fresh herbal boost of flavor. Bonus: this entire baked pasta dish comes together in a skillet (just make sure it's oven-safe!).

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Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Turn a classic comfort food into a baked pasta casserole. The beefy, mushroom-filled baked pasta dish has a rich sauce built from beef broth, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and sour cream. Purchased beef roast helps keep the prep time down.