Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce
A rich, cheesy pasta dish with a vibrant tomato sauce and fresh herb notes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, large onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil.
- Step 4: In a baking dish, combine cooked penne, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. Mix gently to coat pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce?
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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce 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 Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Served this for a dinner party and everyone raved about it.
- ★★★★★
The herbed tomato sauce was a perfect balance, and the three cheeses melted so well.
- ★★★★★
This was the best pasta I've ever made! My family fought over the last bite.
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