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    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Cheesy Pasta Bake with Roasted Pepper Sauce

    Author: Amy Fulwood | Published: Jul 17, 2019 | Modified: Jul 5, 2023

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    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!

    White dish of cheesy pasta bake with red pepper sauce on a marble background
    Side on shot of baked pasta with cheese and pepper sauce

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Why we love this cheesy pasta bake
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Recipe
    Overhead shot of red pepper pasta in a white dish with basil leaves
    White bowl of cheesy pasta on a marble surface

    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

    Overhead shot of red pepper pasta bake with basil leaves on a marble background
    Close up of cheese pasta bake topped with herbs

    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

    White pan of cheesy pasta with red pepper sauce on a marble surface
    White bowl of roasted pepper pasta with cheese on a marble background

    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.

    White baking dish of cheesy pasta bake on a marble surface

    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

    What cheese do you use for pasta bake?

    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.

    Should pasta be cooked before baking?

    Yes, you need to cook the pasta before assembling the pasta bake.

    Do you cover pasta when baking?

    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.

    How long should I put pasta bake in the oven for?

    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.

    Can you cook dry pasta in sauce?

    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.

    What goes well with pasta bake?

    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

    Overhead shot of red pepper pasta in a white dish with basil leaves

    Cheesy Pasta Bake with Roasted Peppers

    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.
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 526kcal
    Author: Amy Fulwood

    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
    UK Measures - US Measures

    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.
    Nutrition Facts
    Cheesy Pasta Bake with Roasted Peppers
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 526 Calories from Fat 180
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 20g31%
    Saturated Fat 8g40%
    Cholesterol 38mg13%
    Sodium 2087mg87%
    Potassium 382mg11%
    Carbohydrates 63g21%
    Fiber 4g16%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 24g48%
    Vitamin A 1050IU21%
    Vitamin C 56.3mg68%
    Calcium 405mg41%
    Iron 2.2mg12%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

    Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!

    Pinterest image for cheesy pasta bake with text overlay

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    Comments

    1. Natalie says

      August 06, 2019 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      Looks like the ultimate comfort food! Delicious and satisfying ♥ Can't wait to try this recipe soon - I love pasta bake!

      Reply
    2. Julie says

      August 06, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      Love the ease of this dish when my days are so busy. Flavorful and ingredients I always have. Win win.

      Reply
    3. Colleen says

      August 06, 2019 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      I always have a jar of roasted red peppers in the pantry, so I can't wait to make this. It looks so good!

      Reply
    4. Dannii says

      August 06, 2019 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love how much flavour red peppers add. This looks like a great pasta bake.

      Reply
    4.86 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Photo of Amy in a red jumper wearing glasses

    Hey, I'm Amy Fulwood!

    Recipe creator and photographer here at TheCookReport.co.uk.

    Over here we’re all about delicious healthy recipes to fit around busy schedules and celebrating the joy that comes from an amazing meal.

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