One-Pot Cheesy Pasta Bake (Printable)

A savory one-pot pasta with melted cheeses and rich tomato sauce baked to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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
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.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, 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 -
  • All-in-one pot preparation means less mess and fewer dishes.
  • Combines creamy, melted cheese with a savory tomato-herb sauce.
  • Customizable—add vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
  • Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Vegetarian and packed with comforting, familiar flavors.
02 -
  • Use a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven to cook and bake in the same vessel, saving cleanup steps.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  • Customize heat level by adjusting or omitting red pepper flakes.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce before baking.
  • For extra golden cheese topping, broil for a minute at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
Return