why make this recipe
Nana’s Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers, making it both practical and tasty.
how to make Nana’s Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 cup of diced vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mix, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy!
how to serve Nana’s Pasta Bake
Nana’s Pasta Bake can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can serve it hot right from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you like.
how to store Nana’s Pasta Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or you can use a microwave for quicker reheating.
tips to make Nana’s Pasta Bake
- Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand. You can use broccoli, carrots, or even mushrooms for more flavor.
- For a creamier texture, you can mix in some cream cheese or ricotta before baking.
- Adding grilled chicken or sausage will make it heartier and add protein.
variation
You can easily change the toppings. Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta. You can also skip the meat and prepare it as a vegetarian dish.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
Can I freeze Nana’s Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure to cover it tightly in a freezer-safe dish. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to give it a kick! Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Print
Nana’s Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious pasta dish that brings together simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked pasta
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 cup of diced vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mix, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy!
Notes
This dish pairs well with a green salad or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg