Even after all these years, it’s still our favorite weeknight dinner.
We were broke college grads buying generic foods on sale and maybe a fresh tomato.
We managed to make some decent meals.
Simply Recipes / Sara Haas
One of the biggest successes of the time was this simple pasta bake.
It was loosely based on a recipe I found on a random internet search.
Then we baked it until bubbly.
Simply Recipes / Sara Haas
It was reliable, affordable, and so delicious.
My husband loves pasta, so this baked pasta has always been a winner.
Even today, it’s the one dish my family asks me to make for them all the time.
Simply Recipes / Sara Haas
It’s our favorite.
How To Make My Favorite Pasta Bake
This will serve six.
You’ll need:
Preheat the oven to 425F.
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
The pasta will still be firm.
Drain the pasta into a colander set in the sink.
In the meantime, heat the oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.
If you’d like, drain the excess fat.
Stir in pasta sauce and cook until warm, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
Pour half of the mixture into a 13x9-inch casserole.
Make dollops of cottage cheese on top, then cover with half of the shredded cheese.
Spread the remaining pasta on top and finish with the remaining shredded cheese evenly scattered on top.
Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
