Name: 3-Ingredient Baked Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or shells); 24 oz jar of marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a world where cooking at home can sometimes feel overwhelming due to intricate recipes and long ingredient lists, finding a dish that's both simple and satisfying is like striking culinary gold. This 3-ingredient baked pasta recipe is exactly that—a testament to how less can truly be more. Perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or when you just need a comforting meal without the fuss, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

To make this delightful baked pasta, you only need three basic ingredients:

Pasta: 1 pound (choose a shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni, penne, or shells)
Marinara Sauce: 24 ounces (your favorite brand or a homemade batch if you have extra time)
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (for that irresistible melty top layer)

Instructions

This recipe is as easy as it gets, but the result is a dish that feels crafted with care. Here’s how to make it:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it's ready to go once your pasta assembly is complete.
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions). The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s important not to overcook it during this stage.
Assemble the Dish: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix well to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated. Transfer the saucy pasta to a baking dish (9x13 inches works well), spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the sauced pasta. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer that adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last few minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked pasta sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to settle. Serve warm, perhaps with a simple side salad or some garlic bread, and enjoy the comforting goodness.

Conclusion

This 3-ingredient baked pasta proves that you don't need a long list of ingredients to create a meal that's warm, inviting, and delicious. It's a versatile recipe that you can tweak to suit your tastes or dietary needs, such as using gluten-free pasta or a vegan cheese alternative. Moreover, it's a fantastic base recipe to add to; feel free to include vegetables, meats, or different types of cheese to make it your own. Embrace the simplicity of this dish and let it inspire you to make more with less. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers an easy way to bring a touch of homemade comfort to your dining table.