10 Easy Baked Pasta Dinners Ready in an Hour or Less– Pasta is a beloved comfort food that people of all ages adore. Its versatility and simplicity have made it a staple in many households.
When you think about pasta dinners, you might envision boiling pasta, preparing a sauce, and assembling the dish. But what if we told you that you can enjoy a delectable pasta dinner without the fuss?
In this article, we’ll explore ten easy baked pasta dinners that you can have on the table in an hour or less. These recipes are not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor, sure to satisfy your cravings in no time.
Recipe 1 – Classic Baked Ziti
Our first recipe is a timeless classic: Baked Ziti. It’s the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Boil the ziti pasta until al dente.
- Mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer it in a baking dish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, ready in around 45 minutes. It’s a perfect choice when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Recipe 2 – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta, this dish is for you. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne is incredibly rich and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook penne pasta until it’s tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
This creamy delight is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick gourmet meal at home.
Recipe 3 – Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
For a healthier option, try these Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells. They are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Spinach
- Artichoke hearts
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells and set them aside.
- Mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and diced artichoke hearts.
- Fill the shells with this mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
These stuffed shells are ready in about 40 minutes and are perfect for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Recipe 4 – BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fusion of two beloved dishes. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients:
- Macaroni
- Cooked chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni until al dente.
- Mix in cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake it until it’s hot and bubbling.
- Garnish with green onions.
This recipe takes around 45 minutes to prepare and is perfect for those who love the smoky flavor of BBQ.
Recipe 5 – Vegetable Lasagna
If you’re a vegetarian, Vegetable Lasagna is an excellent choice. It’s a medley of colorful veggies and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- Mixed vegetables
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Boil the lasagna noodles until they’re tender.
- Layer them with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
- Top it off with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden.
Vegetable Lasagna is ready in about 50 minutes, making it a great option for a hearty, meatless dinner.
Recipe 6 – Baked Seafood Alfredo
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Baked Seafood Alfredo combines the best of both worlds: seafood and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine pasta until al dente.
- Sauté shrimp and scallops until they’re cooked.
- Combine the seafood with Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake it until it’s hot and garnish with parsley.
Baked Seafood Alfredo is a seafood extravaganza ready in about 45 minutes.
Recipe 7 – Mexican Enchilada Pasta Bake
For a spicy twist, try the Mexican Enchilada Pasta Bake. It’s a fusion of two beloved cuisines.
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Ground beef
- Enchilada sauce
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cook penne pasta until it’s al dente.
- Brown ground beef and mix in enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn.
- Combine the pasta with the beef mixture and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbling.
This spicy and savory dish is ready in about 40 minutes.
Recipe 8 – Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake
Mediterranean flavors shine in the Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake. It’s a burst of taste in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Rotini pasta
- Pesto sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Cook rotini pasta until al dente.
- Mix it with pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until it’s hot and garnish with fresh basil.
This Mediterranean delight is ready in about 35 minutes.
Recipe 9 – Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff Bake
For a hearty and comforting option, try the Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff Bake. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles
- Ground beef
- Mushrooms
- Sour cream
- Beef broth
- Onion
Instructions:
- Cook egg noodles until they’re tender.
- Brown ground beef and sauté mushrooms and onion.
- Combine with sour cream and beef broth.
- Bake until it’s hot and bubbly.
This comforting dish takes around 50 minutes to prepare.
Recipe 10 – Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Baked Rigatoni
Our final recipe is the Cheesy Sausage and Peppers Baked Rigatoni. It’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Sausage
- Bell peppers
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Cook rigatoni pasta until al dente.
- Brown sausage and sauté bell peppers.
- Combine with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until it’s hot and garnish with fresh basil.
This cheesy delight is ready in about 45 minutes.
Tips for Successful Baked Pasta Dinners
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Experiment with different cheeses and sauces for variety.
- Garnish your dishes with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored ten easy baked pasta dinners that can be prepared in an hour or less. These recipes offer a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing together different flavors and ingredients to create quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals.
Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors, spicy Mexican-inspired dishes, or a taste of the Mediterranean, there’s a baked pasta dinner here for everyone. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy these fantastic meals in the comfort of your own kitchen.