Easy & Delicious Sheet Pan Pasta Bake Recipe

 If you're looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal cleanup, you're going to love this Sheet Pan Pasta Bake. It’s the perfect combination of cheesy, hearty, and satisfying, all baked together on a single sheet pan. Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping, or hosting a casual gathering, this dish will quickly become your go-to. Plus, it’s super customizable based on your favorite pasta, sauces, and add-ins!

Grab your baking sheet, and let's get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked protein (such as ground beef, sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based crumbles, optional)
• 1 cup veggies (like chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, or diced bell peppers, optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Kitchen tools required:

• Sheet pan (at least 11x17 inches for enough space)
• Aluminum foil for covering

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, start gathering and prepping your ingredients.

2. Prepare Your Base
   Spread your uncooked pasta evenly across your sheet pan. This is where the magic happens!

3. Mix the Sauce
   In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed. The extra liquid ensures the pasta cooks perfectly while baking.

4. Pour and Mix
   Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta on the sheet pan. Gently stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. You don’t want any dry pieces!

5. Add Your Toppings
   Sprinkle your cooked protein and/or veggies evenly over the pasta. This adds flavor, texture, and heartiness to the dish.

6. Cheese Time
   First, sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Then, layer on the mozzarella. The cheese will create that beautiful, golden crust we all love.

7. Cover and Bake
   Tightly cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.

8. Garnish and Serve
   Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it straight from the pan and enjoy the ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Customization

The best part about this Sheet Pan Pasta Bake is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Switch up the pasta: Try different pasta shapes like ziti or bowtie. Smaller shapes cook faster, so adjust baking time accordingly.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and bulk it up with extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top during the uncovered baking step for a crispy topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Just swap in a gluten-free pasta!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta bake with a simple side salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. Garlic bread is another classic option for mopping up those cheesy, saucy leftovers. You can even prep this ahead of time; just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

Why You’ll Love It

This Sheet Pan Pasta Bake is everything a busy cook dreams of! It’s hands-off, adaptable, and loaded with comforting flavors. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, this recipe never disappoints.

Give it a try, and watch it become a regular in your household. Don’t forget to share your own fun twists on this recipe in the comments below!