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CHEESY BAKED PASTA (VIRAL STYLE)

CHEESY BAKED PASTA (VIRAL STYLE)

This viral cheesy baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite pasta, it's perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Customizable, easy, and crowd-pleasing!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta your favorite shape (e.g. penne, rigatoni)
  • 3 cups tomato sauce seasoned or homemade
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp oregano
Cheese Blend
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  5. In a baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and top with parmesan.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize by adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies. Top with red pepper flakes or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.