4 Easy Baked Pasta Recipes for Any Night of the Week
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: August 14, 2014

Pasta is at the top of the list when it comes to preparing a quick and easy dinner.  You can create a pasta bake from just about anything available in your pantry.  It's a great way to use up leftovers or ingredients that are on the verge of spoiling.  Baked pasta is more about a method than a recipe.  All you need is pasta, a sauce, a filler (or two or three), and cheese.  Short and ridged pastas are best because the sauce seeps into the grooves which allows its flavor to soak into every curve and crevice. These four recipes will hopefully motivate you to exercise your culinary creativity and prepare a meal you and your family will enjoy.
Baked Pesto Rigatoni
Recipe from Pinch of Yum
While marinara sauce is usually the sauce of choice for baked pasta dishes, pesto is a great way to change things up.  You can purchase pre-made pesto from the market or make your own.  This baked pesto rigatoni is studded with a ton of veggies and cheese.

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake
Recipe from LNK in PDX
Spinach and artichoke pasta bake is a vegetarian recipe that the whole family will love  Frozen spinach and jarred artichokes are cheap pantry staples that are more than likely available at your local supermarket.  This dish is also an opportunity to use up any vegetables that are on their last leg.

Penne alla Pizzaiola
Recipe from Mediterranealicious
Penna alla pizzaiola combines two of your favorite Italian dishes into one.  Penne pasta is cooked until al dente and then layered with a light tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and a dash of oregano.  You can add your other favorite pizza toppings to this pasta bake including olives, ground sausage and fresh basil.

Baked Mozzarella and Basil Pasta
Recipe from A Love a Fare
Baked mozzarella and basil pasta is as easy as they come.  This baked pasta dish has less than five ingredients and comes together in a flash.  Feel free to add leftover chicken, bacon, or beef to your dish.