No-Boil Pasta Casserole with Ricotta and Mozzarella
This convenient pasta casserole skips the boiling step by cooking uncooked pasta directly in marinara sauce and water in the oven. Layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create a satisfying comfort food perfect for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. The pasta absorbs the seasoned sauce as it bakes, resulting in tender noodles and rich flavors in one dish with minimal prep work.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F
- 2
Mix marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl
- 3
Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture on bottom of baking dish
- 4
Add uncooked pasta to baking dish
- 5
Pour remaining sauce mixture over pasta, ensuring all pasta is covered
- 6
Dollop ricotta cheese over top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese
- 7
Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes
- 8
Remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
- 9
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving
Tips
Ensure pasta is completely covered with sauce to prevent dry spots and ensure even cooking.
Let the casserole rest after baking to allow sauce to thicken and pasta to finish absorbing liquid.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Assemble completely and refrigerate covered up to 1 day before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Serve hot with side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes
Cover pasta completely with sauce to avoid crunchy spots
Don't skip resting time to prevent runny casserole
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, most pasta shapes work well. Shorter shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal, but adjust liquid if using very small pasta.
What if my pasta seems dry during baking?
Add 1/2 cup hot water around edges of dish and re-cover with foil to create more steam.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole dish in oven until heated through.