Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Pasta
  4. Our 32 Best Pasta Bakes That'll Leave Everyone Happy

Our 32 Best Pasta Bakes That'll Leave Everyone Happy

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated June 22, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Nothing satisfies a crowd of hungry folks quite as swiftly and thoroughly as a cheesy, creamy pasta casserole. There's just something about an old-school tetrazzini or classic poppyseed that makes suppertime feel easy and breezy. Whether whipping up a busy weeknight dinner or stocking your freezer for the holidays, these pasta casserole recipes are the melty masterpieces you really want to have in your arsenal when mealtime emergencies strike. And the fact that these pasta bakes fit heartily into your 9x13 casserole dish? That's just the extra cheese sprinkled on top of the lasagna. We can't fail to mention that many are also stellar make-ahead meals. Prep and freeze them on the weekend so that you always have supper ready to go. From the amazing Baked Linguine with Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce to the fresh Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake and endless baked ziti options, our best pasta bake recipes are ready to take on dinnertime.

Start Slideshow

1 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Meatball Pasta Bake

Meatball Pasta Bake
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Besides the fact that this hearty Italian casserole is deliciously filled with meatballs, fresh mozzerella, and penne, it gets a completely unique zing from orange juice and fennel. It's the perfect way to switch things up from your classic lasagna and baked ziti.

1 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

Classic Chicken Tetrazzini
Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Chicken Tetrazzini

This family-friendly dish is ready in an hour and packed full with chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. When you need a no-fuss comforting pasta recipe, look no further than this classic Chicken Tetrazzini.

2 of 31

3 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Greek Baked Ziti

Greek Baked Ziti
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Greek Baked Ziti

This Greek-inspired baked ziti packs your 9x13 pan with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Rely on this cheesy pasta bake to take on a house full of hungry folks without breaking a sweat.

3 of 31

Advertisement

4 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Who knew kale could taste this good? Put your lush greens from the farmers' market to use this season with this creamy bake with loads of gooey cheese and tender kale. Even better, it all comes together in half an hour.

4 of 31

5 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

There's just something about a poppyseed casserole that will cure any weeknight woes. This version uses traditional egg noodles, diced turkey, and plenty of creamy sauce to get the job done. This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it ideal when you have dinner guests coming.

5 of 31

6 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Loads of in-season squash and tomatoes give a freshness to this staple pasta bake that makes it stand out from your traditional version. Fresh mozzerella and basil top off your 9x13 dish in a deliciously savory way.

6 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pizza Casserole Deluxe

Pizza Casserole
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Pizza Casserole Deluxe

Nothing short of a genius creation, this overflowing casserole is like throwing two everything pizzas on the table, only better. The melty, cheesy, topping-packed dish will win over adults and kids alike.

7 of 31

8 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham

Set any supper or potluck up for success with this mouthwateringly smoky recipe full of a creamy smoked Gouda and Cheddar sauce, corkscrew pasta, and chopped smoked ham. We're thanking the heavens that we can make it in a 13x9 dish—because everyone deserves a hearty helping of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

8 of 31

9 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Italian Casserole

Italian Casserole
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Italian Casserole

Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and hearty spinach are what help make this vintage recipe one of our favorite throw-together casseroles of all time. As long as you have this on hand, no busy weeknight or chaotic holiday will hold you back.

9 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

New Turkey Tetrazzini

New Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: New Turkey Tetrazzini

There have been too many nights to count made just a little easier and more comforting with this classic casserole. This freshened-up version of a family-favorite dinner uses loads of spinach, mushrooms, and buttery garlic-and-herb cheese.

10 of 31

11 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Herbed Breadcrumb-Topped Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Herbed Breadcrumb-Topped Macaroni and Cheese

Nothing like giving your basic macaroni and cheese a little makeover. Buttery panko breadcrumbs seasoned with sage, thyme, and rosemary are the secret to this next-level mac and cheese.

11 of 31

12 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Let your childhood classic come back with a modern vengeance. Take an old-school favorite up a notch with this pasta bake version that showcases the sweet-savory blend of sauce and ground beef everyone loves.

12 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

New Tuna Casserole

New Tuna Casserole
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

Sometimes all you need to refresh your weeknight lineup is an update on a tried-and-true classic. This fresh take on tuna casserole hits all of the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy notes you could wish for.

13 of 31

14 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Spring Pasta Bake

Creamy Spring Pasta Bake
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Spring Pasta Bake

We love enjoying this fresh and creamy dish for hearty weekend brunches and busy weeknight dinners alike. This pasta bake is a perfect variation for spring, incorporating baby sweet peas, savory ham, and Swiss and Parmesan cheeses.

14 of 31

15 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

When you let two quintessential Italian dishes intertwine, the epic result is this cozy pasta dish full of cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, and a tomato-and-basil sauce.

15 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Heavenly Chicken Lasagna

Heavenly Chicken Lasagna
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Heavenly Chicken Lasagna

This lasagna recipe makes a great case for skipping the ground beef and tomato sauce. Get ready to delight in the creamy finish, with four cheeses melting into the dish with rich Alfredo sauce, sautéed onions, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, and chicken.

16 of 31

17 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage

The secret is in the sauce with this dish—literally. A spicy tomato sauce with Italian sausage kicks up the flavor plenty, so you only need to add the pasta and cheese! It's simple and hearty, begging only for some crusty bread to sop up that sauce.

17 of 31

18 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese

We've yet to find a more deliciously creamy and melty macaroni and cheese rendition than this. What makes it a game-changer? Cubes of Cheddar cheese melt as the pasta bakes, creating pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.

18 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Leftover Turkey Casserole

Leftover Turkey Casserole
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Leftover Turkey Casserole

There's no better way to use up leftovers than with this casserole. When you throw in a can of cream of mushroom soup, suddenly the old Christmas or Thanksgiving bird doesn't sound so bad.

19 of 31

20 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ham and Noodle Casserole

Ham and Noodle Casserole
Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Ham and Noodle Casserole

Easy and pleasing, Ham and Noodle Casserole packs a filling dinnertime punch when it dresses up some leftover glazed ham with cream cheese, egg noodles, and asparagus.

20 of 31

21 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

This creamy pasta bake requires less than 25 minutes of active preparation, making it an ideal dish on a busy weeknight.

21 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Everyone's favorite pasta sauce noodles its way into this insanely creamy casserole. You'll want to serve this one on a cold winter's night.

22 of 31

23 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Ziti with Chicken

Baked Ziti with Chicken
Credit: Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Chicken

The family favorite reimagined with the help of some rotisserie chicken. It'll be ready faster than you can say, "dinner is served."

23 of 31

24 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake

Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake
Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake

Simple, satisfying, quick, and family friendly. Sounds like this pasta bake checks all the boxes.

24 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Linguine with Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce

Baked Linguine with Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Linguine with Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce

What really seals the deal here is the fresh linguine. Accompanied by plenty of colorful tomatoes and cheese, it's a pasta bake that satisfies everyone.

25 of 31

26 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms

Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms

Refrigerated tortellini is the save-all when you want a quick, hearty meal. In this version, add some cremini mushrooms, whole milk, cream, and freshly-grated Parmesan to make your own fast Alfredo.

26 of 31

27 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Baked Ziti and Meatballs
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Meatballs

This dish may lack homemade meatballs and tomato sauce, but we promise it's no less delicious.

27 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Mac and cheese is always a fan-favorite, but with bacon? That's a winning recipe right here.

28 of 31

29 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baked Rigatoni with Zucchini and Mozzarella

Baked Rigatoni with Zucchini and Mozzarella
Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Baked Rigatoni with Zucchini and Mozzarella

If you find yourself craving a lasagna but don't want to put in the work, this baked rigatoni does the same job with less fuss.

29 of 31

30 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Having this unbaked pasta dish in your freezer will never fail to save you in a pinch. This classic lasagna recipe is about as dependable as it gets and pulls together in no time.

30 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 31

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Recipe: Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

This delightfully colorful 13x9 casserole is packed to the brim with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh broccoli, and chicken—then topped with a buttery, crunchy mixture of crackers and chopped pecans. Needless to say, it's an easy winner of the weeknight.

31 of 31

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 31 Meatball Pasta Bake
    2 of 31 Classic Chicken Tetrazzini
    3 of 31 Greek Baked Ziti
    4 of 31 Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake
    5 of 31 Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole
    6 of 31 Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
    7 of 31 Pizza Casserole Deluxe
    8 of 31 Mac and Cheese with Ham
    9 of 31 Italian Casserole
    10 of 31 New Turkey Tetrazzini
    11 of 31 Herbed Breadcrumb-Topped Macaroni and Cheese
    12 of 31 Sloppy Joe Casserole
    13 of 31 New Tuna Casserole
    14 of 31 Creamy Spring Pasta Bake
    15 of 31 Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
    16 of 31 Heavenly Chicken Lasagna
    17 of 31 Baked Ziti with Sausage
    18 of 31 Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese
    19 of 31 Leftover Turkey Casserole
    20 of 31 Ham and Noodle Casserole
    21 of 31 Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
    22 of 31 Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
    23 of 31 Baked Ziti with Chicken
    24 of 31 Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake
    25 of 31 Baked Linguine with Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce
    26 of 31 Baked Tortellini Alfredo with Mushrooms
    27 of 31 Baked Ziti with Meatballs
    28 of 31 Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
    29 of 31 Baked Rigatoni with Zucchini and Mozzarella
    30 of 31 Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
    31 of 31 Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our 32 Best Pasta Bakes That'll Leave Everyone Happy
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.