Recipe Details - OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Easy baked pasta with no boiling required

5 Ingredients

From the Cook

1/2

Servings

Warning0 allergens identified

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Mix the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and water in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the sauce mixture.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake the pasta on middle rack of oven until noodles are tender, about 45 minutes.

Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta and continue baking until cheese is bubbly and melted, about 5 minutes.

Check to see that pasta bake is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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No-Boil Magic 💦
Use room temperature or slightly warm liquid to help the pasta absorb moisture evenly without pre-boiling, ensuring perfect texture in your bake.
Sauce Layer Strategy 🥫
Create a moisture barrier by spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before adding uncooked pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cheese Melting Technique 🧀
For ultimate cheese coverage, mix half the mozzarella into the sauce and reserve the other half for a golden, bubbly top layer that browns beautifully.
Liquid Ratio Precision 📏
Use a 1:1.25 ratio of liquid to pasta to ensure perfect moisture - this means for every cup of pasta, add 1.25 cups of combined tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Resting Time Secret 🕰️
Allow the pasta bake to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the sauce settle and flavors meld, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.