Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta bake layered with eight herbs and a blend of cheeses, creating a fragrant and cheesy delight. This Italian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and all eight herbs: 1 tbsp each of chopped basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives, tarragon, and sage.
- Step 4: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop 1/2 cup ricotta cheese evenly over the layer, then sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
- Step 5: Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan layers.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Octonary Herb and Cheese Layered Pasta Bake?
Italian italian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
