Are you ready to elevate your pasta game to a whole new level? We’re talking about making a delicious and satisfying pasta bake with jar sauce that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings with friends and family. So, grab your favorite jar of pasta sauce and let’s get cooking!

First things first, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this pasta bake. You’ll need a jar of your favorite pasta sauce, pasta of your choice (we recommend penne or rigatoni for their ability to hold the sauce well), mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and any additional toppings you desire, such as cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or fresh vegetables.

Once you have everything ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just shy of al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want to overcook it at this stage. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Next, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, mix the jar of pasta sauce with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to give it an extra flavor kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for an added depth of flavor. Once the sauce is well combined, add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Now comes the fun part – assembling the pasta bake! In a greased baking dish, start by layering half of the saucy pasta mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. If you’re adding any additional toppings, now is the time to layer them on top of the cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining saucy pasta mixture, cheese, and toppings until the baking dish is full.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re craving that golden brown, crispy cheese crust on top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Then, dig in and enjoy the irresistible combination of saucy pasta, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds – this pasta bake has a way of making people want more!

So there you have it – a fun and easy way to make a mouthwatering pasta bake with jar sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get creative with your favorite pasta sauce and toppings, and get ready to experience pasta perfection in every bite! Enjoy!