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Pour zesty Italian dressing and a few simple ingredients over elbow macaroni in a baking dish, then bake it into a tangy, cheesy meal that everyone will ask you to make again.

 


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Salad Dressing • Garlic • Baking Dish

This Zesty Italian Baked Macaroni is the perfect weeknight comfort dish—tender elbow pasta baked in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce with gooey melted mozzarella. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers bold, Italian-inspired flavor without the extra work.

No need to pre-cook a sauce. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients, layered and baked into something delicious straight from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

šŸ Only 4 main ingredients—simple pantry staples
⏱️ Just 10 minutes of prep, then bake
šŸ’› One bowl + one dish = minimal cleanup
šŸ’ø Budget-friendly—feeds a family for under $6
šŸŒ¾ Naturally nut-free and easy to make gluten-free

Ingredients (9x13-inch dish, serves 6)

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (preferably herb-rich)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or fresh basil

šŸ’” Tip:
Use uncooked pasta—it bakes directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor as it cooks. Choose a well-seasoned marinara for the best taste. Finish with cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & prepare
    Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix everything together
    In a large bowl, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add optional spices if desired.
  3. Assemble the dish
    Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  4. Bake
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
  5. Rest & serve
    Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if you like.

Serving Ideas

šŸ„— Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables
šŸ§€ Make it creamier with ricotta or burrata on top
šŸ· Serve with red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
  • Freeze: Assemble unbaked and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Meal prep: Assemble earlier in the day and bake when ready.

FAQ

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce label.

Can I add protein?
Definitely. Cooked ground beef, sausage, or plant-based alternatives work well.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers blend in perfectly.

Final Note

This isn’t just an easy pasta bake—it’s a cozy, comforting dish made for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero stress.

Because the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re just made with heart. šŸ…✨