20 Best Baked Pasta Recipes for a Large Family
If you’re looking for delicious and satisfying meal ideas for a large family, then look no further than these Best Baked Pasta Recipes. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to feed a crowd, these recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.
Benefits of Best Baked Pasta Recipes for a Large Family
- Easy to prepare in large quantities
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Can be made ahead of time
- Versatile and customizable to suit different tastes
- Provides a hearty and comforting meal option
Occasions for Best Baked Pasta Recipes for a Large Family
- Family dinners
- Potlucks and parties
- Holiday gatherings
- Weeknight meals
- Meal prepping for the week ahead
So, whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with your loved ones or need a dish to bring to a potluck, these Best Baked Pasta Recipes are the perfect solution. From classic lasagna to cheesy baked ziti, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious and satisfying recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
Hearty Family-Style Baked Ziti
Our Hearty Family-Style Baked Ziti is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner. This classic Italian-American favorite is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Cooking Method
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
Season and simmer: Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble the ziti: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake the ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
This hearty, cheesy baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make and perfect for creating lasting mealtime memories. Enjoy your delicious creation!
# Deliciously Flavorful Baked Pasta Recipes for Large Families
If you’re looking to satisfy a crowd, look no further than these hearty baked pasta dishes. Perfect for a large family or a gathering, these recipes are packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into some of the best-baked pasta recipes that will surely become family favorites.
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Get the full recipe at xoxoBella
This vibrant and creamy casserole is a perfect balance of flavors with a kick of spice. Loaded with juicy chunks of chicken, the dish is jazzed up with Mexican-inspired ingredients like black beans and corn. It’s all topped with a layer of melted cheese that pulls everything together.
Packed with protein and fiber, the beans add a nutritional boost, making this dish not just delicious, but also wholesome for the entire family.
Easy Baked Feta Pasta
Get the full recipe at xoxoBella
This creamy and tangy baked feta pasta became a viral sensation for a reason! It’s incredibly simple and yet so flavorful. The combination of creamy feta cheese with cherry tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that perfectly envelops the pasta.
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and with the feta cheese providing calcium and protein, this dish is both a treat and a nutritious meal option.
Classic Penne Pasta Bake
Get the full recipe at The Honour System
For a classic touch, this penne pasta bake features a delightful combination of garlic, herbs, and juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a cheesy embrace. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any family dinner table.
Garlic and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, making this enticing comfort food also a healthy choice.
Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
Get the full recipe at xoxoBella
These giant pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese and hearty beef, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The topping of marinara sauce and melted cheese helps seal in the flavors while adding a delicious finishing touch.
Ricotta brings a creamy texture along with a good source of calcium, while the beef adds a punch of protein.
Italian Baked Ham and Provolone Rosettes
Get the full recipe at xoxoBella
This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, with lasagna noodles rolled up and stuffed with savory ham and melted provolone cheese. The rolls are baked in a flavorful tomato sauce that infuses each bite with rich Italian flavors.
Provolone offers a delightful taste, and ham adds not only flavor but also a good source of protein.
Lasagna Al Forno
Get the full recipe at xoxoBella
Lasagna al forno is the quintessential Italian baked dish. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel are baked to perfection. This dish is a showstopper that delivers on flavor and tradition.
With lean meats and layers of nutritious sauce, this lasagna is as hearty as it is healthy.
Baked Tuna Pasta Shells
Get the full recipe at It’s Not Complicated Recipes
For a seafood twist, try these baked tuna pasta shells. They are filled with a creamy, tasty tuna mixture and topped with cheese, making them a delightful comfort dish.
Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake
Get the full recipe at Slow The Cook Down
This hearty dish combines the robust flavors of ground beef with the acidity of tomatoes, all wrapped up in layers of pasta and cheese. It’s a belly-filling meal that’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Rich in protein and vitamin C from the tomatoes, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
Cheesy Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake
Get the full recipe at Somebody Feed Seb
Packed with flavor, this pasta bake marries tuna with aromatic pesto and a cheesy crust. It’s an exciting variation that combines Italian flavors with creamy goodness.
With healthy fats from pesto and protein from tuna, this dish is a nutritious choice for family meals.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce
Get the full recipe at Cooking My Dreams
Baked tortellini is a comforting dish that brings together cheese-filled pasta and a rich tomato sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella. It’s the perfect dish for cheese lovers.
Tortellini provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy, while the tomato sauce offers essential vitamins and minerals.
These baked pasta recipes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your family table. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or seafood, there’s something on this list to satisfy everyone!
