white sauce pasta bake

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe, white sauce pasta bake is the perfect dish for you. This recipe is loaded with delicious flavors, creamy textures and a truly comforting combination of ingredients that will make it a family favorite. White sauce pasta bake is one of those recipes that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. So, if you’re in need of a delicious dinner recipe, look no further than white sauce pasta bake.

Ingredients

The ingredients for white sauce pasta bake are simple and few. You’ll need:

1 lb. of uncooked penne pasta (or other pasta of your choice)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
2 cups of diced tomatoes
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 cups of white sauce

Instructions

To make this delicious dinner recipe, first preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and oregano, and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese and white sauce, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbly.

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta. Top with the tomato sauce and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top. Top with the remaining penne pasta and spread evenly. Top with the remaining white sauce and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

White sauce pasta bake is a delicious and comforting meal that can be served as is. If desired, you can serve it with a side salad or a crusty loaf of bread. This meal is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta should I use?

You can use any type of short pasta that you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, macaroni, bowties and shells all work great in this recipe.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Just be sure to dice them and cook them until they are softened and beginning to break down.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere and Gouda all work great in this recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to one day ahead of time. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The dish will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.