Baked Pasta Dinners Perfect for Weeknights

By Vanessa Greaves

February 03, 2021

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Credit: CandiceSteele

These warm and cozy baked pasta dishes check all the weeknight dinner boxes: easy, comforting, ready in an hour or less, with plenty left over for another meal. And talk about versatile — you can change up the pastas, add or change protein choices, and adjust spices to suit your taste. Did we miss anything? Check out fifteen of our best easy baked pasta recipes that make weeknight meals pure magic.

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Rita's Spinach Caserole

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If you like your comfort food on the spicier side, make this with hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef, and jarred spaghetti sauce instead of tomato sauce. You can even omit the meat completely and still have a warm and satisfying vegetarian casserole.

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Portobello Penne Pasta Casserole

Credit: Brianna White

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"Delicious and easy!" raves home cook LOLOBABY. I used tricolored fusilli as that's all I had and added an onion and extra garlic and some black pepper. Also added half fresh grated parmesan."

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Stuffed Shells

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Undercook the shells slightly so that they're less likely to tear when stuffed. They'll continue to cook in the oven, and the result will be perfectly cooked, sauce-smothered pasta shells filled with a three-cheese blend.

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Ham and Broccoli Bake

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It's easy to substitute chicken instead of ham in this recipe; you'll just have to add a touch more salt to compensate for what the sweet, salty ham would have brought to the party.

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Ratatouille Bake

Credit: Massbean

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This hearty vegetarian casserole features all the best flavors of a late summer garden: eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomato. The casserole is baked until mozzarella cheese is bubbling for a melty, satisfying meal.

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Beefy Baked Ravioli

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Believe it or not, you don't have to boil the frozen ravioli before you bake it in the sauce. How easy and convenient is that? "Great throw-together meal," says home cook lalynhussey. I used a whole bag of frozen ravioli, and added chopped mushrooms and garlic to my browning meat."

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Baked Ziti With Sausage

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You can't go wrong with tender ziti combined with ricotta and Italian sausage. Tip: Add the onions and garlic to the pan when you're cooking the sausage. It makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

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Homemade Mac and Cheese

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To keep your cheese sauce from developing a gritty texture, it's important to remove the white sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese a handful at a time. This luscious macaroni and cheese is ready in just under an hour.

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Pizza Pasta

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Everything you love about pizza, but in a decadent baked pasta. Get adventurous and add ingredients usually used as pizza toppings: canned artichokes, mushrooms, peppers — maybe not pineapple and ham, though.

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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

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"My family requests this recipe every year for birthday parties and other events, " says recipe creator Lovely333. It's crowd and family-friendly, as well as easy to make ahead and then refrigerate!"

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Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Credit: Jeanene T.

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Decadently cheesy, ridiculously easy, and ready in just an hour. A beloved pasta dish gets the casserole treatment in this crowd-friendly recipe. Get ready for rave reviews when guests or family try this delicious bake.

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Quick and Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Credit: Tan Swan

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This rich casserole draws inspiration from a Thanksgiving staple, but is a hit any time of year. "This is a quick and delicious meal, " says home cook Jada Alston. I work nights and I made this while getting ready for work. My family devoured it."

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Ground Turkey Noodle Bake

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Wide egg noodles and saucy ground turkey combine with cream cheese and parsley for a rich, multilayered casserole meal. Enjoy perfectly melted cheeses, Italian seasonings, and delicious leftovers.

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Shrimp Alfredo Broccoli Bake

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"This recipe gives Alfredo a seafood twist with all the simplicity of a quick casserole," explains recipe creator DBatesBakery. Dig into Parmesan-coated goodness in every bite.

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Mexican Lasagna II

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A spicy interpretation of a traditional lasagna equipped with refried beans, Cheddar cheese, and taco seasonings. Use a 9x13 baking dish to create layers of tortillas in between these delectable ingredients.

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By Vanessa Greaves