The term, “al forno,” means “baked” in Italian, and these pasta al forno dishes are baked to perfection. Luckily, you don’t have to be a nonna to make ‘em.
Pasta al Forno: 45 Baked Pasta Recipes
Updated on May 02, 2024
Favorite Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti is my grandchildren’s most-loved dish. It feels like such a special dinner and is so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
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2/45
Pasta Fagioli al Forno
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The name of this Italian-inspired dish means "baked pasta with beans." But my busy family translates it as "super satisfying dinner." —Cindy Preller, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1029mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
3/45
Squash and Spinach Pierogi Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spinach pierogi casserole can be spiced to your liking. Once you’ve mastered the recipe, try using other savory pierogi in place of the potato and cheese version. —Susan Skrtich, Hamilton, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 269 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
4/45
Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of the al forno dish—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I’m making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 449 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
5/45
Ravioli Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The whole family will love the fun, cheesy flavor of this ravioli casserole. It’s like lasagna—without all the fuss! Timesaving ingredients such as prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli make it a cinch to fix. Children can help you assemble this one. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
6/45
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
7/45
Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give it just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
8/45
Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
9/45
Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This must-try pasta al forno tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 619 calories, 42g fat (18g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1522mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
10/45
Firefighter’s Chicken Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always in the kitchen making dishes for my family, neighbors or the local fire department to try. My husband is a firefighter in our town, and this chicken spaghetti recipe is a favorite there. —Krista Davis-Keith, New Castle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 407 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
11/45
Ham Ravioli Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I based this recipe on a dish my husband likes to order when we go out for Italian food. Not only does he love it, my one-year-old daughter does, too. She’ll grab a whole ravioli and eat it! —Jennifer Berger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 653 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
12/45
Over-the-Top Baked Ziti
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised pasta al forno was a success not only with my family but at potlucks, too. It’s so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 499 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
13/45
Cheeseburger Stuffed Pasta Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You could call this a comfort food mashup made in heaven. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells are loaded up with cheeseburger goodness in a dish that will soon become a family favorite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 431 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
14/45
Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta al forno is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef, too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 445 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
15/45
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
16/45
Chicken Garden Medley
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my family sampled this dish at a friend's house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week! —Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
17/45
Penne Beef Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had ground beef and veggies on hand so I came up with this pizza-flavored casserole. I never expected my family to love it so much. It’s a good way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids. —Jennifer Wise, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
18/45
Sausage Spaghetti Spirals
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this flavorful casserole with hearty chunks of sausage and green pepper. The recipe makes a big pan, so it's nicely sized for a potluck. —Carol Carolton, Wheaton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 592 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1071mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
19/45
Polish Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I first made this dish, my 2-year-old liked it so much that he wanted it for every meal! You can use almost any pasta that will hold the sauce. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 428 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1193mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
20/45
Cheese Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and all these years later, he still enjoys this pasta al forno! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
21/45
Loaded Spaghetti Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this loaded pasta recipe your own, everyone loves it! It’s also great made with leftover chicken from the previous night’s dinner. You might prefer another hard cheese for the Parmesan…or just go with the cheddar and cornflake crumbs. —Marian Pappas, Lake Stevens, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 612 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1486mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
22/45
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
23/45
Pizza Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 casseroles (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
24/45
Cheese-Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I’m happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 397 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
25/45
Florentine Spaghetti Bake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 446 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1172mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
26/45
Mostaccioli
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though we’re not Italian, this rich, cheesy pasta dish is a “family tradition” for holidays and special occasions. I was delighted the first time I tried this mostaccioli recipe—it has all the flavor of lasagna without the work of layering the ingredients. Try it…I’m sure it’ll become one of your family’s favorites, too! —Nancy Mundhenke, Kinsley, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 431 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
27/45
Ham & Swiss Baked Penne
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a kid I loved to have the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 559 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 905mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
28/45
Spinach Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti shells: 363 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
29/45
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy chicken tetrazzini is made with leftover cooked chicken and canned soup. It's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights because it's so easy to assemble. Once you pop the dish in the oven, you'll have time to take care of other things on your to-do list. —Martha Sue Stroud, Clarksville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 438 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
30/45
Italian Hot Dish
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
31/45
Mexican Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this hearty entree with Spanish rice, homemade salsa and tortilla chips. I’ve also made it without ground beef, and our friends who are vegetarians requested the recipe. —Lucy Shifton, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 431 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
32/45
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
33/45
Spaghetti Pie
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Italian combination is remade into a creamy, family-pleasing spaghetti pie. This recipe was given to me several years ago. My family never grows tired of it. —Ellen Thompson, Springfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 348 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
34/45
Rich Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
35/45
Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that’s missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 489 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
36/45
Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 643 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
37/45
Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
38/45
Cheese-Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I'm happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 397 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
39/45
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a dinner that both of my wonderful (but picky!) children will eat. I can easily make it ahead and then bake it right before serving. Sometimes I add 2 cups of cooked veggies, like peas or chopped broccoli, for a complete meal. —Rebekah Schultz, Mantua, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
40/45
Manicotti Shells
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3 manicotti: 480 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 1128mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
41/45
Tuna-Filled Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot tuna's a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this cream comfort food. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. —Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 291 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 733mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
42/45
Spinach-Basil Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven’t made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 291 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
43/45
Crab-Stuffed Manicotti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pasta, and my husband loves seafood. I combined them to create this dish, and he raved that it’s the best meal ever. —Sonya Polfliet, Anza, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 shells: 359 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 fat-free milk.
44/45
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
45/45
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 398 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
