Alfredo Marinara Pasta Bake

A comforting and flavorful pasta bake combining the richness of Alfredo sauce with the tanginess of marinara, all baked to bubbly perfection.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

55 minutes

Calories

856 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

6 items

Cost

£2.90/serving

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Dietary:

Mood:

Comfort Food•Light & Fresh•Indulgent

Ingredients

Servings

1poundpasta(penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)

£0.80

2tablespoonsolive oil

£0.20

1poundground Italian sausage(optional, can substitute with vegetables or leave out)

£4.50

0.5cupchopped onion

£0.25

2cloves garlic, minced

£0.10

24ouncesmarinara sauce

£2.50

1jar Alfredo sauce(15 ounce)

£2.80

0.5cupheavy cream

£0.75

0.3cupgrated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

£1.50

0.3cupchopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

£1.20

1teaspoonItalian seasoning

£0.15

0.5teaspoonsalt

£0.05

0.3teaspoonblack pepper

£0.10

2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese

£2.50

Total Cost

£17.40

£2.90 per serving

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage (if using) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5.
Stir in marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce. Mix well to coat.
7.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
8.
Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
9.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through.
10.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Buy ingredients on Loop

My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (454g)

856 kcal / 3583 kJ

Carbs

59g

23% of RDA

Fat

51g

73% of RDA

Protein

43g

86% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

4 g

13% of RDA

Sugar

16 g

18% of RDA

Sodium

1211 mg

53% of RDA

Saturated Fat

26 g

130% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.

You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.

If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Feel free to add other cheeses, such as ricotta or provolone, to the bake.

To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.

Cooking Equipment

Large pot

Colander

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet or saucepan

Mixing bowl

Measuring cups and spoons

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Starter

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze and Toasted Pine Nuts

Light and airy whipped ricotta spread on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts. A perfect appetizer to balance a rich pasta bake.

25 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"The light and airy whipped ricotta provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and heavy pasta bake. The balsamic glaze offers a tangy sweetness that complements both the Alfredo and Marinara sauces, while the toasted pine nuts add a welcome textural element."

Dessert

Lemon Basil Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis

A light and refreshing Italian dessert that provides a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes like pasta bakes. The lemon basil infusion offers a bright, herbaceous flavor, while the strawberry coulis adds a touch of sweetness.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"This panna cotta is light and refreshing, providing a counterpoint to the richness of the pasta bake. The lemon basil infusion offers a bright, herbaceous flavor that cleanses the palate, while the strawberry coulis adds a touch of sweetness and complements the Italian flavors of the meal."