We are a big fan of easy, healthy recipes! This marinara pasta bake couldn’t get any easier! It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, and then you just let it bake! When my husband and I want to work out in the evening after work or just relax, or if you have kiddos to watch after, this is a perfect recipe. You can even let the kids help you with since it’s short and easy. They would love combining the ingredients into the bowl. Or if you’re like me, I don’t have any children, but I like how quick and easy it is to prepare.

This recipe serves 4-5 people so it’s great for a whole family, but it also is delicious as leftovers! We usually eat our marinara pasta bake for two nights in a row, and it just gets more flavorful as it sits. It’s also a very kid friendly recipe. Baked pasta is always fun for kids to eat, and it’s a healthy recipe! Note: You may not want to include the red pepper flakes if you’re making this for children. It adds a little kick to it.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

If you bought diced tomatoes as opposed to the crushed tomatoes, blend the diced tomatoes.

In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, water, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and uncooked pasta. 

Pour the mixture into a 9″ x 13″ pan.

Slice the tomatoes and layer them on top of the pasta mixture. Bake for 45 minutes.

Serve and garnish with fresh basil.