Easy 4 Ingredient Baked Pasta Casserole

If you’re looking for an easy baked pasta casserole that delivers comfort food flavor with minimal effort, this 4-ingredient baked pasta recipe is the perfect solution. Made with uncooked noodles, marinara sauce, milk, and mozzarella cheese, this no-boil pasta bake practically cooks itself in the oven.

Perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, this cheesy baked pasta casserole creates tender layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese without requiring any pre-cooking. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a hearty homemade meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Pasta Recipe

• Only 4 simple pantry ingredients
• No need to boil pasta beforehand
• Budget-friendly family dinner
• Rich, cheesy, and comforting flavor
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Great for busy weeknights
• Easily customizable with vegetables or protein
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry wide lasagna-style noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce and milk until smooth and well combined.
3. Spread about 1 cup of the sauce mixture across the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Arrange a layer of uncooked noodles over the sauce.
5. Sprinkle approximately ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the noodles.
6. Pour 1 to 1¼ cups of sauce mixture evenly over the cheese.
7. Continue layering noodles, cheese, and sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
8. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
11. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
12. Slice and serve warm.

Recipe Benefits

This easy oven-baked pasta casserole offers the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. The noodles cook directly in the sauce, saving time and reducing cleanup. The milk creates a creamy texture while the mozzarella delivers a delicious cheesy topping. It’s an affordable family dinner recipe that uses simple ingredients most households already have on hand.