Lasagna-Style Creamy Baked Pasta with Fresh Basil

Here’s a comforting and herbaceous recipe for Lasagna-Style Creamy Baked Pasta with Fresh Basil — all the rich layers of lasagna, but simplified into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake packed with basil flavor.

---

🍝 Lasagna-Style Creamy Baked Pasta with Fresh Basil

Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)

• Salted water for boiling

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus more for topping)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Layer:

• 2 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Extras:

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella for topping

---

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the creamy sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium.

   • Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.

   • Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.

   • Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

   • Add Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Build the tomato layer:

   • In a bowl, mix marinara with dried oregano. Warm slightly if needed.

4. Assemble the pasta bake:

   • In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with the creamy cheese sauce and chopped fresh basil.

   • In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer half the pasta, then dollop ricotta, spoon over half the marinara, and repeat.

   • Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Garnish and serve:

   • Let cool 5–10 minutes.

   • Sprinkle with extra chopped basil before serving.

---

💡 Tips:

• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or browned Italian sausage for variation.

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles layered in instead of pasta for a more traditional twist.

Would you like a version that’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or made ahead and frozen?