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When it comes to quick and satisfying comfort food, few dishes can compete with the delightful combination of cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce. Our Mozzarella and Marinara Pasta Bake recipe takes this classic pairing to the next level, providing a generous portion that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or creating delicious leftovers. This recipe is something you can make on a weeknight when you are short on time. It can also be made in advance and frozen for another day.
Consider The Ingredients
For the marinara sauce, I generally use my own homemade sauce. The last time I made this recipe, however, I used Michael’s of Brooklyn Marinara Sauce and it was delicious. It’s my new go-to store-bought sauce! You can use any homemade or store-bought marinara or pasta sauce that you would like
For this recipe and any other recipes involving mozzarella, I highly prefer to use fresh mozzarella. Nothing beats the flavor, texture, and look of fresh mozzarella on a pizza or in a pasta dish.
Customize Your Recipe
For a heartier pasta bake, you can add ground beef, ricotta cheese, or sauteed veggies. Make this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake goes well with a simple side salad, some sauteed or roasted vegetables, and/or some marinated and grilled salmon or shrimp.
Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) macaroni pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Add pasta to the bottom of a baking dish (Pyrex, stoneware, or oven-safe porcelain dishes work well). Add marinara sauce and combine well.
- Cover the top of the pasta with fresh mozzarella slices. Optionally, sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top as well.
- Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is browned to the desired level.
- Let the pasta cool for approximately 10 minutes before adding grated parmesan to the top and garnishing with basil leaves, if you are using them.