This cheesy pasta bake is a vegetarian feast! It's so easy to make with a flavourful roasted red pepper sauce and mozzarella topping. Try this recipe for your next simple family dinner.
I love a good baked pasta!
They're so comforting, usually pretty easy to make and are great for meal prep.
This cheesy pasta bake is really up there as one of my favourites. It's got a sweet and smokey sauce made from roasted red peppers and then topped with plenty of mozzarella which gives you all the cheese pulls your heart desires.
I use jarred roasted red peppers for this recipe because it makes it such a quick and easy sauce to make but if you prefer to roast your own you totally can do that. They're such a great ingredients to have on hand, I also use them in this easy 3 bean chilli for loads of added flavour!
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Why we love this cheesy pasta bake
It's ideal comfort food which makes it perfect for when you need a big bowl of pasta to take the edge off a busy day
It's easy to make and takes the time it takes to boil some pasta to prep, then you simply bake for 15 minutes and you're ready to eat
Most of the ingredients you need are store cupboard ingredients so you can keep them on hand at all times for an easy dinner when you need it
Ingredients
Pasta: I use fusilli because that's what we regularly buy but you can use any short cut pasta you like
Roasted Red Peppers: Use jarred ones because they make this recipe so quick and easy
Parmesan: Adds a delicious salty flavour to the sauce
Chilli Flakes: I like a little kick to my pasta bake but you can reduce if you don't like spice
Garlic: Because everything tastes better with garlic
Mozzarella: Cooked until it's all melted and bubbly on top
Instructions
Cook the pasta: According to packet instructions.
Make the sauce: Put the roasted peppers, parmesan and chilli flakes and blend until smooth then add the olive oil and season well.
Bake: Toss the pasta with the sauce then put in a baking dish and top with the cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.
Hint: to get the cheese extra bubbly switch the oven to the broiler for the last couple of minutes of cooking.
Substitutions
- Gluten free: You can easily make this recipe gluten free by swapping out the pasta for your favourite brand of gluten free pasta
- Vegan: While this is cheesy pasta there are so many great brands of vegan cheese nowadays that you could definitely swap the mozzarella for a vegan alternative
Variations
- Add some protein: Shredded chicken or fried ground beef would be a delicious addition here stirred through the pasta before baking
- Increase the veggies: Broccoli florets, spinach or kale would all be tasty additions
- Spicy: If you like a spicy kick then increase the amount of chilli flakes
If you're after more delicious pasta then try out this butternut squash pasta sauce!
Storage
You can put together this cheesy pasta bake ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to bake, just leave off the cheese until just before putting in the oven.
Once cooked you can store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just defrost thoroughly and reheat in the microwave or oven.
FAQs
My priorities when it comes to a cheesy pasta bake is meltability and flavour. For the meltiness I go for a classic mozzarella, it's really unbeatable when it comes to getting that melt. Then to get that delicious cheesy flavour I add in a good sprinkling of grated parmesan as it gives so much cheesiness which is just what this pasta bake needs.
Yes, you need to cook the pasta before assembling the pasta bake.
You don't need to cover the pasta while baking. As the pasta is already cooked you only need to bake it for a short amount of time and all of that time is devoted to getting that cheese deliciously browned and bubbly which can't happen if the dish is covered.
This pasta bake only needs to be in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Just enough time for the cheesy to melt and get browned.
You need to cook the pasta before adding it to the sauce for this recipe. If you're looking for a recipe where you can add the dry pasta directly to the sauce then try out this recipe for this one pot baked rigatoni.
This recipe is delicious with a side of garlic bread or a simple side salad. I love to serve with this kale salad.
Want more? Try these other pasta recipes!
- Southwest Pasta Salad
- Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet with Spaghetti
- Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon
- Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
- Tuna Pasta Salad
- Baked Tortellini
- Nduja Pasta with Wilted Greens
Recipe
Cheesy Pasta Bake with Roasted Peppers
Ingredients
- 300 g Pasta
- 1 480g jar Roasted Red Peppers drained
- 50 g Parmesan grated
- ½ teaspoon Chilli Flakes
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 150 g Mozzarella
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 200°C/400°. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions in salted water.
- While the pasta cooks put the roasted peppers, parmesan and chilli flakes in a food processor and blend until smooth. With the blender still running drizzle in the olive oil then season to taste.
- In a large bowl toss the pasta with the sauce then place in a baking dish and top with torn mozzarella. Bake for 10-15 minutes until browned.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
Natalie says
Looks like the ultimate comfort food! Delicious and satisfying ♥ Can't wait to try this recipe soon - I love pasta bake!
Julie says
Love the ease of this dish when my days are so busy. Flavorful and ingredients I always have. Win win.
Colleen says
I always have a jar of roasted red peppers in the pantry, so I can't wait to make this. It looks so good!
Dannii says
I love how much flavour red peppers add. This looks like a great pasta bake.