18 Southern Living Pasta Bake Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Apr 20, 2024
If you're in need of a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to please a crowd, look no further than this Southern Living pasta bake recipe. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, combining classic Italian flavors with a Southern twist. The result is a mouth-watering and satisfying pasta bake that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to create this delectable dish and share some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious. So, let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Egg, Mozzarella
Pasta bake is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta or to make a quick and easy meal. There are so many different variations of pasta bake, and it's a dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are 20 different pasta bake recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Small Onion, Mushrooms, Garlic
This creamy spinach and mushroom pasta bake is a vegetarian twist on the classic dish. It's made with a creamy white sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible! To add a bit of crunch, top it off with some breadcrumbs before baking. Trust me, you won't miss the meat in this dish.
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Super Fast Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Pasta, Spaghetti, Water, Petite Diced
If you're short on time, this super fast pasta bake is the perfect solution. It's made with store-bought marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and your choice of protein (chicken, sausage, or ground beef). Everything is mixed together and topped with cheese before being baked in the oven. It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Chicken Tenders, Pepper, Salt, Onion
This chicken pesto pasta bake is a refreshing twist on traditional pasta bake recipes. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce. The pesto adds a burst of flavor to the dish and pairs perfectly with the chicken. Add some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness.
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Million Dollar Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Penne, Macaroni Pasta, Eggs, Chopped Fresh Parsley
The name says it all – this pasta bake is worth a million dollars! It's made with layers of pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. The dish is then topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly and golden. This is a crowd-pleaser and will definitely become a family favorite.
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Chicken Pasta Bake - Family Friendly
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken Breast, Cauliflower, Spinach, Butter
This chicken pasta bake is a classic that the whole family will love. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is then topped with a generous amount of cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
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Minced beef pasta bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Minced Beef, Carrot, Celery Stick, Tomato Puree
If you're a fan of ground beef, then this minced beef pasta bake is for you. It's made with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, ground beef, and penne pasta. The dish is then topped with a layer of mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly. This is comfort food at its finest.
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Pizza Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Onion, Italian Sausage, Lean Ground Beef
Pizza and pasta lovers, rejoice! This pizza pasta bake combines the best of both worlds. It's made with penne pasta, your choice of pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.), and a generous amount of cheese. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors in a pasta dish.
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Taco Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Creamed
If you're a fan of Mexican food, this taco pasta bake is a must-try. It's made with seasoned ground beef, penne pasta, and your choice of toppings (black beans, corn, etc.). The dish is then topped with cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture. Serve with some sour cream and salsa for a complete meal.
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Pulled Pork Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Pasta, Cheddar, Salt, Black Pepper
Pulled pork lovers, this one's for you. This pulled pork pasta bake is a unique twist on traditional pasta bake recipes. It's made with shredded pulled pork, penne pasta, and a creamy white sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
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Fiesta Chicken Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Thick And Chunky Salsa, Sour Cream, Taco
This fiesta chicken pasta bake is a fiesta in your mouth! It's made with chicken, penne pasta, black beans, corn, and a creamy salsa sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until melted and bubbly. It's a fun and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Butter, Chicken, Salt, Black Pepper, Cream
If you're a fan of buffalo chicken, this pasta bake is a must-try. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy buffalo sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with some ranch dressing for a complete meal.
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Easy Margerita Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Basil Leaves
This easy margarita pasta bake is a refreshing and light option for pasta lovers. It's made with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is then topped with mozzarella and baked until melted and bubbly. It's a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
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Broccoli Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Broccoli, Medium Onion, Butter, Plain Flour
This broccoli pasta bake is a great way to sneak in some veggies into your pasta dish. It's made with penne pasta, broccoli, and a creamy white sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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High Protein Mushroom Swiss Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Mushrooms, Olive Oil, Pasta, Miso Paste
This high protein mushroom Swiss pasta bake is a healthier option for pasta lovers. It's made with whole wheat pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss cheese. It's a great way to add some extra protein and nutrients to your meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it's a great vegetarian option.
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Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Rigatoni, Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Frozen
This chicken and spinach pasta bake is a nutritious and flavorful option for pasta lovers. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and fresh spinach. The dish is then topped with a creamy white sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a great way to incorporate some greens into your meal.
This chicken Alfredo pasta bake is a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with some garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Easy Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Garlic Sauce, Italian Salad Dressing Mix
This easy pasta bake is a classic and simple dish that anyone can make. It's made with store-bought marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and a generous amount of cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Seafood Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Butter, Milk, Parmesan Cheese
If you're a fan of seafood, this pasta bake is for you. It's made with shrimp, scallops, and penne pasta in a creamy white sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a delicious and elegant option for a special occasion.
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Chicken Enchilada Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Dried Oregano, Cumin, Garlic Powder
This chicken enchilada pasta bake is a Tex-Mex twist on traditional pasta bake recipes. It's made with chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful enchilada sauce. The dish is then topped with cheese and baked until melted and bubbly. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors in a pasta dish.
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Pasta
The star of this dish is the pasta. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but we recommend using penne or rigatoni for their sturdy shape and ability to hold the sauce well.
2. Ground Beef
To add a touch of Southern flavor, this recipe calls for ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
3. Vegetables
Adding vegetables to this dish not only adds some healthy nutrients, but also adds depth of flavor. We recommend using bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a delicious combination.
4. Tomato Sauce
To give this pasta bake its rich and tangy flavor, you'll need tomato sauce. You can use canned or homemade, whichever you prefer.
5. Cheese
No pasta bake is complete without cheese! We recommend using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for the perfect amount of gooey and savory goodness.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Brown the Beef
In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, sauté the vegetables until they are tender. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, and sautéed vegetables. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. Layer in a Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and layer in the pasta mixture. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake and Serve
Bake the pasta at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious Southern Living pasta bake!
In conclusion, this Southern Living pasta bake recipe is the perfect combination of classic Italian flavors and Southern charm. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So next time you're in need of a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal, give this recipe a try!
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