21 Baked Pasta Ideas To Use A Half-Empty Jar Of Marinara

Baked pasta is dinner’s ultimate no-brainer. With a jar of marinara and a handful of ingredients, you can throw together something that feels like effort without actually making any. Whether it’s packed with cheese, layered with meat, or loaded with veggies, these recipes turn basic pantry staples into a meal that disappears fast. They’re simple, hearty, and let the oven do all the heavy lifting.

Creamy Baked Ziti

This baked ziti checks all the boxes for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner. With creamy layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese, it’s a great way to turn a jar of marinara into a comforting family meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Ziti

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring cozy fall flavors to these pumpkin-stuffed shells. It’s a dish that feels seasonal without being complicated, making it perfect for autumn dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Think of this as lasagna’s laid-back cousin. Layers of pasta, marinara, and cheese come together to create a meal that feels indulgent without trying too hard. Garlic bread on the side? Even better.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Meaty Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan just got an upgrade. This version adds hearty meat sauce to tender eggplant and gooey cheese. It’s comfort food that earns its spot on the dinner table with flavor to spare.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Eggplant Parmesan

Baked Ziti with Meatballs

When meatballs meet baked ziti, magic happens. Marinara, three cheeses, and homemade meatballs team up for a meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for using up that marinara in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Chicken Spaghetti

This chicken spaghetti keeps things easy and flavorful. It’s a straightforward, reliable dinner that feels lighter without skimping on taste. Perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti

Pizza Casserole

Pizza night just got even better. This casserole is loaded with marinara, pepperoni, and melted cheese. Toss in your favorite pizza toppings for a dish that’s as customizable as it is quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Baked Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

These sliders aren’t quite pasta but bring a similar vibe. They’re quick, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. Use frozen or homemade meatballs, layer them onto sweet rolls, and bake until bubbly. Great for game days or weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Meatball Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

Rigatoni never tasted this good. Between the creamy Boursin, Italian sausage, and marinara, this dish has “crowd favorite” written all over it. Bake it for dinner or prep ahead for an easy weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Boursin Cheese

Pepperoni Pasta Bake with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella

This pasta bake is everything you love about pizza but baked into a cheesy casserole. Packed with sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, it’s a foolproof dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pasta Bake with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella

Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

These lasagna roll-ups are packed with spinach and plenty of cheese. Easy to serve and easier to eat, they’re a great go-to for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

Baked Rigatoni

Baked rigatoni keeps things simple while delivering on flavor. It’s an easy, no-nonsense recipe that’s great for weeknights. With pasta and cheese baked to perfection, it’s hard to go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni

Pasta Bake

This meatless pasta bake takes comfort food to the next level. With marinara, melted cheese, and a lasagna-like texture, it’s a great way to bring everyone to the table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake

Mushroom Spinach Pasta Bake with Black Garlic

Packed with veggies and umami flavor, this pasta bake feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Marinara ties everything together while mozzarella and feta add cheesy perfection.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Spinach Pasta Bake with Black Garlic

Turkey Meatball Casserole

Light yet packed with flavor, this turkey meatball casserole is the dinner equivalent of a hug. Marinara and cheese make it cozy, and it’s a great way to use up what you’ve got in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatball Casserole

Mexican Lasagna

Taco night meets lasagna in this fun mashup. Layers of noodles, taco-seasoned meat, beans, and salsa make it a versatile meal that’s perfect for make-ahead or freezing. Spice it up or keep it mild—it’s up to you.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

Baked Ravioli

This no-hassle recipe turns frozen ravioli into a bubbly, cheesy bake. Just layer marinara, ravioli, and mozzarella, then let the oven do the rest. It’s a quick win for any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Lazy Lasagna Casserole

This recipe gives you all the flavor of lasagna without the extra work. Pasta, meat sauce, and a cheesy ricotta mixture bake into a dish that’s great for a quick dinner or a make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Pasta Bake with Turkey

Skip the boiling and let the oven handle the work with this no-boil turkey pasta bake. Marinara, turkey, and pasta come together for a meal that’s both easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Bake with Turkey

Stuffed Shells

Spinach and vegan ricotta make these stuffed shells a plant-based winner. It’s a quick, comforting dinner that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor or simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Shells

Vegan Bolognese

Tempeh “meat” and marinara make this vegan Bolognese a standout. With garlic and Italian herbs, it’s ready to become your new favorite weeknight pasta sauce.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese