Creamy Rotini Pasta Bake
Creamy Rotini Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender rotini noodles, a rich and cheesy cream sauce, and your favorite add-ins, this oven-baked pasta dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser. It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly easy to prep ahead—just bake and serve!
Ingredients List
– 10 oz rotini pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
– 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, then add garlic.
Stir in cooked meat (if using), marinara, cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix to coat.
Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Serves 4–6
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Carbs: 38g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 22g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cover tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Pairings/Suggestions
Great with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for fall, winter, and cold evenings. A satisfying meal for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Conclusion
This creamy rotini pasta bake is rich, cheesy, and super satisfying. Whether you use chicken, beef, or keep it vegetarian, it’s a baked dish your family will ask for again and again. Simple to make and even easier to love!
Creamy Rotini Pasta Bake
4–6
servings10
minutes30
minutes420
kcalA rich, cheesy pasta bake perfect for easy dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
– 10 oz rotini pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
– 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, then add garlic.
- Stir in cooked meat (if using), marinara, cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix to coat.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- A hearty and creamy baked rotini dish perfect for weeknight dinners
Great for using up leftover chicken or keeping it vegetarian
Prep ahead and bake when ready—freezer-friendly too
FAQs
Q1: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or fusilli all work well in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble the dish and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.
Q3: Is it possible to make it lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream, and reduce the cheese slightly if preferred.
