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Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake for a Cozy Dinner

Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake for a Cozy Dinner

Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners. This dish brings together tender pasta sheets, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp parmesan, all layered with fragrant herbs. It’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake is an easy way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich in flavor, visually appealing, and perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences!

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  • Comforting and satisfying
  • Loaded with cheesy goodness
  • Simple to make for weeknight dinners
  • Great for leftovers or meal prep
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs and veggies

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

How to Make Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
  4. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the remaining marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  6. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the marinara sauce, and more parmesan cheese.
  7. Top with the final three noodles, the last of the marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavor.
  • For a richer flavor, use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.

Easy Variations

  • Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  • Swap out the marinara sauce for pesto for a unique twist.
  • Incorporate cooked ground beef or sausage for added protein.

What to Serve With It

  • A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
  • Roasted vegetables for a healthy side
  • A glass of red wine to complement the flavors

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe Card

Layered Cheese and Herb Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
  4. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the remaining marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  6. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the marinara sauce, and more parmesan cheese.
  7. Top with the final three noodles, the last of the marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes: Customize with your favorite herbs and veggies for a personal touch.

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