Three Cheese Baked Pasta is a classic comfort food dish that brings together the rich flavors of three different cheeses, perfectly complementing the pasta and tomato sauce. This dish has its origins in Italy, where baked pasta dishes are a staple in many households, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates a gooey, creamy texture that makes this recipe irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special event, this Three Cheese Baked Pasta is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 2 cups (500ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine with Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Cheeses: Fold in half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses into the pasta mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Pasta
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Three Cheese Baked Pasta!
Tips and Variations
Additional Tips
- Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to substitute other cheeses based on your preference. Gouda, Fontina, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or ground beef to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Variations
- Three Cheese Pasta Tomato Sauce: Add diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Three Cheese Pasta Recipe: Mix in different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the taste.
- Three Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe: For a richer sauce, replace heavy cream with a mix of cream cheese and milk.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 18g
This Three Cheese Baked Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. Give it a try and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for more mouth-watering dishes.