Description
This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With a rich, creamy sauce made from marinara and heavy cream, it’s topped with a cheesy, golden crust that melts beautifully in the oven. Paired with a side of garlic bread, it’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, and cook for a few more minutes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir to coat well.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread.
Notes
- You can substitute ground sausage for ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- For extra cheese pull, use more mozzarella on top before baking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Baked Pasta, Creamy Meat Sauce, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Family Dinner