As far as creamy pasta recipes, this 4-Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake is the best I have ever had. Optional to add prawns and/or scallops or chicken. Serve with bread and salad–a great cheesy potluck dish that everyone loves! On the table in minutes!

bowl of 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta

I love a quick pasta dish that I can get on the table in minutes, and that also has simple ingredients. For an easy weeknight meal, serve an easy 4-ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake with bread and salad! We’re resharing this post from April 2017–a family favorite. Check out the video below, too!

4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

It’s true, last-minute dinners don’t have to be boring. And pasta has a history in my family, to be a last-minute, when there’s nothing-else-in-the-fridge kind of dinner. Even if you’re short on time, this quick pasta bake recipe today is a great option.

Read more: 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake
bite of 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

If you don’t have the ingredients stocked in your pantry and fridge, you can be in and out of the market in 10 minutes, to buy these simple foods. This recipe can be served as a main dish or a side, and it’s a great potluck dish, too.

4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

Why I love this recipe

  • Pasta is truly a comfort food, and this is a quick, simple recipe to keep on hand.
  • You can use your favorite pasta (what’s in your pantry?)
  • Swap out the cheese for your favorite cheese (or what’s in your fridge?)
  • Use any fresh herb – make the recipe your own.
  • We always have some kind of pasta sauce on our pantry shelf – mix and match!
  • The recipe is good enough for company – or a weeknight meal.
4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

Gather these ingredients

  • Pasta: use your favorite (we love Delallo, as they have whole wheat or plain. They also have gluten-free versions. You can find their brand at most grocery stores or gourmet grocery stores).
  • Marinara sauce: use whatever sauce you have in your pantry! Change it up.
  • Cheese: we love Parmesan, but you can use any kind of hard grated cheese.
  • Basil: fresh is the best!

Grab the full recipe below, and check out my tips and substitutions. 

how to make 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta

How to make 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl.
  2. Add in the marinara sauce, fresh basil, and 2 cups of cheese. Gently mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour into a 9×13 prepared pan (sprayed with cooking spray). Top with remaining 2 cups of cheese.
  4. Cover with foil.
  5. Bake and then remove the foil; heat for additional 5 minutes and serve.
9x13 pan of 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

The cheese is melty-delicious and it’s a wonderful comfort meal.

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Tips and Substitutions:

  1. Use your favorite pasta (spaghetti, shells, etc.)
  2. You can mix in either shredded Mozzarella cheese or you can use fresh (and cut into strips or chunks).
  3. Add in fresh garden tomatoes – SO good!
  4. Make ahead and reheat later.
  5. The more basil, the better (in my opinion).
  6. We’ve also added sauted zucchini. Delish!
  7. Recipe can be used as a main or side dish.
  8. The leftovers are amazing, and so easy for reheating.
cheesy 9x13 pan of pasta bake

How do you serve a pasta bake?

We love this pasta dish served with a house salad and hot crunchy bread. You can also make your own 5-ingredient pasta sauce, and serve it on the side with cheese and herbs–more like in a spaghetti fashion, and skip the baking.

More pasta recipes to try:

9x13 pan of 4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake
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4 Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake

Serve a 4-Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake with bread and salad–a great cheesy potluck dish that everyone loves!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound pasta, we use DeLallo whole wheat shells
  • 1 jar marinara sauce, we use and love DeLallo Pomodoro Fresco Marinara Sauce
  • 4 cups Parmesan and mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl.
  • Add in the marinara sauce, fresh basil, and 2 cups of cheese. Gently mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour into a 9×13 prepared pan (sprayed with cooking spray). Top with remaining 2 cups of cheese. Cover with foil.
  • In a preheated oven at 350 degrees F, heat for 20 minutes. Remove foil; heat for additional 5 minutes. Serve!

Notes

Reposted from April 2017
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer
Calories: 427kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 34mg, Sodium: 1207mg, Potassium: 425mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 759IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 616mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @reluctantentertainer on Instagram and hashtag it #reluctantentertainer!
4-Ingredient Creamy Pasta Bake