One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly Pasta Bake
A comforting, cheesy pasta bake that kids will love, made in one pot with simple ingredients for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves if using, and serve warm for a kid-friendly, cheesy pasta meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly 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 One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly 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 One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 One-Pot Cheesy Kid-Friendly Pasta Bake?
Italian pasta 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.
