Baked Pasta with Mozzarella and Tomato Recipe

A true Italian classic: creamy baked pasta with melted mozzarella and a golden, irresistible crust that tastes like home.

Have you ever wanted to cook something simple that fills the entire house with an irresistible aroma? 🍝

Baked pasta with mozzarella and tomato sauce is one of those comforting dishes that everyone loves. As it bakes, the smell of tomato sauce blends with melting mozzarella while a golden crust forms on top.

I often prepare this dish for Sunday lunch or when I want something hearty and satisfying. The result is always amazing: creamy pasta inside, crispy on top, and perfectly melted cheese in every bite.

It’s also a great recipe you can assemble in advance and bake just before serving. Let’s see how to make baked pasta with mozzarella and tomato.

Easy Traditional Comfort food Vegetarian

Baked Pasta with Mozzarella and Tomato

A classic Italian comfort dish made with pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, baked until golden and delicious.

Prep: 15m Cook time: 25m Total time: 40m Servings: 4 servings Cuisine: Italian Category: Main dishes

by Traditional Italian recipe Published on 15 March 2026

Ingredients

• Short pasta (rigatoni or penne) 400 g
• Tomato passata 500 g
• Mozzarella 300 g
• Grated parmesan 60 g
• Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
• Garlic 1 clove
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Tools

• Large pot
• Pan
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish
• Knife

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
2. Meanwhile prepare the sauce: heat olive oil with garlic in a pan.
3. Add tomato passata, season with salt and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Add fresh basil leaves for flavor.
5. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and let it drain well.
6. Drain the pasta and mix it with most of the tomato sauce.
7. Spread a first layer of pasta in a baking dish and add mozzarella and parmesan.
8. Add the remaining pasta and top with mozzarella, parmesan and a few spoonfuls of sauce.
9. Bake in a static oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 20–25 minutes until golden on top.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional values (per serving)

Calories
520 kcal

Fat
18 g

Carbohydrates
65 g

Protein
24 g

Sugar
7 g

Fiber
4 g

Sodium
420 mg

Send me your recipe Print recipe

Chef’s Tips

Choose the right mozzarella

For that perfect cheesy stretch, use a well-drained mozzarella. If it contains too much liquid, the pasta may become watery. Cut it into cubes and let it drain for at least 30 minutes, or use low-moisture mozzarella for better baking results.

Don’t overcook the pasta

One of the most common mistakes is fully cooking the pasta before baking. It should be slightly undercooked (al dente) so it can finish cooking in the oven while absorbing the sauce without becoming mushy.

The secret to a perfect crust

The golden crust is what makes this dish truly special. Make sure the final layer is rich in grated parmesan cheese. For an extra crispy texture, you can add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan.

Make a flavorful sauce

Baked pasta tends to absorb flavors, so the sauce needs to be well seasoned and aromatic. Add fresh basil and adjust the salt carefully to give the dish a rich and balanced taste.

Let it rest before serving

As tempting as it is to dig in immediately, letting the pasta rest for about 5 minutes helps it set slightly. This makes it easier to serve and improves the overall texture, making it creamier and more cohesive.