Pin This sheet pan pasta bake revolutionizes weeknight dinners by eliminating the need to boil pasta separately. Everything cooks together on one pan, creating a delicious, cheesy pasta dish with perfectly roasted vegetables and minimal cleanup.
I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that could feed my family without creating a sink full of dishes. The magic of watching dry pasta transform directly on the sheet pan convinced me to never make pasta bake the traditional way again.
Ingredients
- Uncooked short pasta: the star of our show that cooks directly on the sheet pan absorbing all the delicious flavors
- Vegetable broth: provides the necessary liquid for cooking the pasta while adding savory depth
- Marinara sauce: creates a flavorful base that infuses the pasta as it cooks
- Zucchini bell pepper onion and cherry tomatoes: these vegetables roast and caramelize beautifully adding sweetness and texture
- Baby spinach: adds color nutrition and wilts perfectly into the hot pasta
- Mozzarella Parmesan and ricotta cheeses: create the perfect trifecta of stretchy melty and creamy textures
- Olive oil and garlic: build the aromatic foundation that makes this dish irresistible
- Italian herbs salt and pepper: classic seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overwhelming
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and preparing a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or a light coating of oil. The high sides of the pan are crucial here as they contain the liquid needed to cook the pasta properly. Make sure your pan is at least 18x13 inches to provide enough space for even cooking.
- Create the Pasta Base:
- Spread your uncooked pasta in an even layer across the prepared sheet pan. Pour the vegetable broth and marinara sauce over the pasta ensuring every piece is moistened. This liquid ratio is carefully calibrated to cook the pasta perfectly without becoming too soupy or too dry. Use a spatula to gently move the pasta around ensuring all pieces are submerged.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Distribute the chopped zucchini diced bell pepper sliced red onion and halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the pasta mixture. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic dried Italian herbs salt pepper and red pepper flakes if using. The vegetables will release moisture as they cook contributing to the pasta cooking process while also absorbing flavor.
- Initial Baking Phase:
- Cover the sheet pan tightly with aluminum foil creating a seal that traps steam. This creates an environment similar to boiling water allowing the pasta to cook through. Bake for exactly 25 minutes which gives the pasta enough time to absorb liquid and begin softening without becoming mushy.
- Add Cheese and Greens:
- Remove the foil carefully as hot steam will escape. Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta across the surface then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. These layers create pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish.
- Final Baking Phase:
- Return the uncovered pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become completely melted with golden brown spots forming on top. The pasta should be perfectly al dente with just the right amount of resistance when bitten. If your pasta needs more time add a few tablespoons of hot water and return to the oven for 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the sauce thicken slightly and allows the flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh basil if desired which adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma that complements the rich flavors.
Pin The triple cheese combination is what makes this dish truly special. While you might be tempted to simplify with just one type of cheese I discovered through multiple tests that the combination of stretchy mozzarella nutty Parmesan and creamy ricotta creates a complexity of flavor and texture that elevates this simple dish to something extraordinary.
Storage and Reheating
This pasta bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal. To reheat simply place a portion in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through about 15 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. For the pasta any short shape works well including gluten free varieties though cooking times may need slight adjustment. Broccoli mushrooms cauliflower or eggplant can replace any of the vegetables listed. Plant based cheese alternatives work beautifully for a vegan version just be sure they melt well. For a protein boost add precooked Italian sausage rotisserie chicken or white beans during the final baking phase.
Make It Ahead
You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking earlier in the day. Assemble everything on the sheet pan cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook add about 5 minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the chilled ingredients. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests as the prep work can be completed well in advance.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version Use fresh garden zucchini cherry tomatoes and basil with a lighter amount of cheese for a bright seasonal adaptation. Fall Harvest Include butternut squash sage and kale with a sprinkle of nutmeg for warm autumn flavors. Winter Comfort Add root vegetables like carrots and parsnips along with hearty greens like Swiss chard for a cozy cold weather meal.
Success Stories
I recently brought this dish to a potluck where it was the first empty dish despite competing with many traditional favorites. The hostess immediately requested the recipe noting how impressed she was that something so delicious could come from such a simple cooking method. Several guests commented that they had never considered cooking pasta directly on a sheet pan and were excited to try the technique themselves.
Pin Enjoy this incredibly easy and flavorful sheet pan pasta bake. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal with minimal fuss.