Happy to share a go-to recipe when you are craving a bit of comfort food. This simple recipe only requires 6 ingredients and is easy to pull together. It’s one we love when the sports practices are in full effect or if the kids are having friends over for dinner. I know many of you have been renting homes for a little getaway and this is a great recipe to make when you have a place with a kitchen. We made this one night when we were visiting Zion.
PASTA BAKE
![5 ingredient pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_5-800x1067.jpg)
![simple and savory pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/simple-and-savory-pasta-bake_1-800x1419.png)
![boil the pasta](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_8-800x1067.jpg)
Bring about 5 quarts of water to a boil and cook your pasta. You can use bowtie, penne or rigatoni as all are great with it.
*This is a 9 quart dutch oven. We love it and use it almost daily.
![5 ingredient pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_6-800x1067.jpg)
While the pasta cooks, cut up one large zucchini into quarters. I like to cut my zucchini lengthwise in half and cut those spears lengthwise again. Then chop those into small pieces.
![easy pasta dish](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_7-800x1067.jpg)
Chop the three cloves of garlic and set aside. Once al dente, drain the pasta. Reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water (set aside). Return the noodles to the pot and stir in one teaspoon of olive oil.
![pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_10-800x1067.jpg)
Cook the sausage until browned. Add in half of the garlic once the sausage is almost cooked. We like hot Italian sausage but use whatever your family loves. I cook all five links and only use half for this dish. I put the other half in the fridge and my son loves to use it for a breakfast omelette. Once browned, empty it onto a paper towel lined dish to soak up the extra grease. You don’t need all of that in your pasta dish.
![pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_4-800x1067.jpg)
While the sausage rests on the paper towel, cook the zucchini and remaining garlic on a medium-low heat. I usually cook it for about 6-7 minutes. You just want it to begin to soften and look like the photo above. Don’t over cook.
![combine ingredients](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_1-800x1067.jpg)
Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the zucchini to the pasta and pour in the reserved pasta water.
![favorite pasta sauce](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_9-800x1067.jpg)
This is our go-to pasta sauce but use anything you like.
![easy pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_2-800x1067.jpg)
Because I use the entire bag of pasta for this dish, I also use the whole jar of sauce. Stir together. You can stir in the sausage or sprinkle on top depending on how much your family likes.
Simple & Savory Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 16oz package of pasta
- 1 jar pasta sauce
- 1 large zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 links sausage
- 3 tsp olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°
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Bring water to a boil and cook pasta noodles until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain noodles and return to the pot. Stir in one teaspoon of olive oil. Set aside for now.
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Chop zucchini and set aside.
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Mince garlic.
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Empty sausage from casings and brown on medium-high heat. Add half of the garlic and stir frequently. Once cooked, drain on a paper towel lined dish to remove much of the extra grease.
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Pour two teaspoons of olive oil into the pan. Add the remaining garlic and cook the zucchini until it appears soft. Do not overcook. About 6-7 minutes.
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Add the reserved pasta water, zucchini, pasta sauce and sausage to the noodles. Stir to combine all ingredients.
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Transfer to a casserole dish.
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Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
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*I often make it and let it sit out for about 30 minutes before baking if we are not quite ready to eat.
![](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-ingredient-pasta-bake_3-800x1067.jpg)
Top with mozzarella. Of course you can leave some of it plain if you have dairy free people in your family. Bake at 400° for about 10 minutes or until cheese melts and starts to brown just a bit.
![simple and savory pasta bake](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/simple-and-savory-pasta-bake__2-800x1067.jpg)
Serve with a salad and garlic bread. So yummy and a home run with our crew. We always have leftovers for lunch the next day or for a quick meal after practice.
Let me know if you give it a try. I’ve linked a few more favorites below.
Pasta looks so yummy! I am making this next week.
Always looking for different stuff to make.
Thanks.
Have a great weekend.
Avoid xtra step w zucchini by cooking it w the pasta the last few mins. the pasta cooks. One step avoided!
That is genius and I NEVER would have thought of that. Thank you!