Print

Easy Creamy Lazy Girl Marry Me Pasta Bake

easy creamy lazy girl marry me pasta bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy creamy pasta bake perfect for busy nights, featuring a smooth cream cheese sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Pinch or two crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added preferred)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 170 g), divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet or pan. Add chopped onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Simmer 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
  7. Lower heat and add cream cheese in chunks. Stir continuously until melted and sauce is smooth. Add more broth if too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Add drained pasta to sauce and stir to coat.
  9. Stir in Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Reserve ½ cup mozzarella for topping.
  10. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish if skillet is not oven-safe.
  11. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly on top.
  12. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta slightly under al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Stir cream cheese in over low heat to prevent lumps. Use fresh shredded mozzarella for best melt quality. Sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Avoid overbaking to keep pasta creamy underneath.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, creamy pasta, easy dinner, lazy girl recipe, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-creamy-lazy-girl-marry-me-pasta-bake-recipe-for-busy-nights/