Dump, Bake, Devour: 15 Game-Changing Pasta Dinners for Effortless Weeknights Forever!

You know those nights when life feels like a whirlwind and the last thing you want to do is spend forever in the kitchen? We’ve all been there more times than we can count, juggling kids, work, and all the little chaos that comes with family life. That’s precisely why we’re absolutely thrilled to share these 15 easy dump-and-bake pasta recipes with you; they’ve honestly been game changers for weeknight dinners in so many homes! Just throw everything in one dish, pop it in the oven, and voilà, dinner is served with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

So, what exactly *is* a dump-and-bake pasta recipe, you ask? Well, “dump recipes” is a term used to describe meals where you simply dump a few ingredients into a cooking dish. This means there’s virtually no chopping and often no prep required, just open containers of ingredients and pour them right into the dish to prepare! A “pasta bake” is, as the name suggests, a recipe where you bake pasta in the oven with other ingredients. Combine the two, and you get these incredible “dump pasta bakes” where you just toss ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. The best part? No boil is required for the pasta beforehand, saving a ton of time and energy, making these pasta dishes incredibly easy to prepare.

Instead of boiling the pasta before baking, the heat of the oven and the liquid in the baking dish create a boiling atmosphere, allowing the pasta to cook just like it would in a pot on the stove. This method ensures that whatever flavorings are in the baking dish will absorb right into the pasta as it’s cooking, making it extra, extra flavorful – which is something we absolutely adore! If you’re looking to save time and energy, and you’re ready for pasta that’s bursting with flavor, these dump pasta bake recipes are truly fantastic for weeknight meals. They’re also brilliant for taking to a potluck because they come as complete one-dish wonders. We simply can’t wait for you to try these recipes and see how easy and fun dinner can be, even on your busiest days! These pasta bakes feel like a warm hug after a long day, and they make kitchen cleanup so much easier.

1. **Dump-and-Bake Classic Baked Ziti**If you’re a fan of all things cheesy and comforting, this Dump-and-Bake Classic Baked Ziti is about to become your new best friend! It’s everything you love about baked ziti but way, way easier. Imagine that melty, saucy goodness bubbling up from your oven, all from just dumping ingredients into a dish and baking. It truly is a revelation in simplicity and taste.

This recipe starts with uncooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and water, forming the delicious foundation. Then comes the glorious trifecta of cheeses: creamy ricotta, luscious shredded mozzarella, and savory grated Parmesan. A touch of dried basil, salt, and pepper rounds out the flavors, creating a dish that’s both familiar and wonderfully fresh.

The genius lies in the process: combine the ziti, marinara, water, ricotta, basil, salt, and pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish, stir it well, cover it tightly with foil, and bake. After 40 minutes, you uncover it, sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. It’s an incredibly straightforward path to a truly satisfying meal.

Trust us when we say this one’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast at our dinner table! It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, with its irresistible layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. The minimal effort for such a spectacular outcome makes it an absolute win for any busy weeknight.

2. **Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta**If creamy, dreamy pasta is your ultimate thing, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Pasta! It’s like all the rich, cheesy Alfredo flavor you constantly crave, but with absolutely zero fuss. This recipe truly redefines convenience without sacrificing an ounce of indulgence.

Here’s the magic: just toss everything right into the pan – that’s uncooked penne, tender cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken (hello, ultimate shortcut!), luxurious Alfredo sauce, water, and vibrant frozen peas. Add a dash of garlic powder for that irresistible aroma and flavor. It’s a symphony of ingredients designed to create a harmonious and incredibly simple dish.

The oven does all the heavy lifting, transforming these simple components into a cohesive, creamy masterpiece. You simply cover the dish with foil and let it bake for 40 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully and the pasta to cook to perfection. The anticipation builds as the kitchen fills with the delightful scent of Alfredo.

Then comes the grand finale: uncover the dish, top it generously with shredded mozzarella, and pop it back into the oven for just 10 more minutes. The result is a bubbling, golden, and utterly irresistible pasta bake that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something fancy-ish but without any of the hassle, making every bite a celebration of creamy goodness!

3. **Dump-and-Bake Taco Pasta**Are you craving all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco night but yearning for something even easier to pull off? Well, get ready because this Dump-and-Bake Taco Pasta has totally got you covered! This dish is nothing short of a fiesta in a baking dish, brimming with spicy, cheesy goodness that the whole family will undoubtedly gobble up fast.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its vibrant simplicity. You start with uncooked rotini pasta, which is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those incredible flavors. Browned and drained ground beef provides a hearty base, while a packet of taco seasoning infuses every strand with that unmistakable taco zest. Salsa and water create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully, and a cup of frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture.

Putting it all together couldn’t be simpler. You just stir all these wonderful ingredients – rotini, beef, taco seasoning, salsa, water, and corn – directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed, then cover it tightly with foil. The oven takes over from there, baking the mixture for a glorious 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and the flavors to deepen.

The final touch is pure perfection: uncover the dish, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes until it’s melted and bubbly. The result is a wonderfully comforting and flavor-packed meal that perfectly captures the essence of taco night. Plus, it’s super simple to throw together when life gets busy, making it a fantastic solution for those hectic evenings!

4. **Dump-and-Bake Caprese Pasta**If you absolutely adore fresh, bright flavors that somehow manage to feel a little bit fancy yet are oh-so-easy to create, then this Dump-and-Bake Caprese Pasta is going to be a total winner in your kitchen! Just imagine all the deliciousness of a classic Caprese salad – those ripe, juicy tomatoes, wonderfully gooey mozzarella, and fragrant, fresh basil – all mixed right into your pasta and baked to perfection. It’s a fresh twist that’s simple enough for any weeknight, yet feels incredibly special.

This delightful dish calls for uncooked penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, a rich marinara sauce, and water to help cook the pasta. These foundational ingredients are combined in a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting the stage for a truly vibrant meal. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without any of the extensive prep work.

The initial baking process is as straightforward as it gets: cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. During this time, the pasta beautifully absorbs the flavors from the marinara and tomatoes, creating a wonderfully cohesive and aromatic base. The heat of the oven ensures everything cooks evenly, delivering tender pasta infused with a delicious essence.

The finishing touches are what elevate this dish to Caprese heaven. After the initial bake, you uncover the pasta and artfully add halved mozzarella balls, specifically ciliegine, for that perfect melty texture and fresh dairy note. A quick 10-minute return to the oven ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey. Before serving, a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped basil adds that indispensable fragrant pop, making every forkful a bright and satisfying experience.

5. **Dump-and-Bake Greek Pasta**Are you on the hunt for a pasta bake that brings a fantastic Mediterranean flair to your dinner table? Look no further, because this Dump-and-Bake Greek Pasta is precisely what you need to brighten up your meal routine! It’s absolutely packed with tangy feta, briny Kalamata olives, and aromatic fresh herbs, offering a flavorful twist that feels incredibly special but astonishingly comes together in virtually no time at all. Get ready to add some sunshine to your dinner!

This recipe is a celebration of classic Greek flavors, simplified for your convenience. It features uncooked penne pasta, which serves as a wonderful canvas for the vibrant ingredients. Diced tomatoes, along with their juice, provide a rich, savory base, beautifully complemented by the distinct taste of sliced Kalamata olives. Diced red onion adds a subtle punginess, while water ensures the pasta cooks perfectly in the oven, absorbing all these magnificent flavors.

Preparation is wonderfully straightforward. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, you simply mix the penne, tomatoes, olives, onion, water, and a fragrant teaspoon of dried oregano. This aromatic herb is key to unlocking that authentic Greek essence. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing in all those fantastic aromas and flavors as it bakes.

The covered dish bakes for 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and become deeply infused with the Mediterranean ingredients. Once that initial bake is complete, you uncover the dish, give it a quick stir to redistribute the ingredients, and then generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. A final 10-minute bake, uncovered, melts the feta slightly and brings all the flavors into perfect harmony, delivering a truly unique and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands!

6. **Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Pasta**If you’re a devoted fan of that utterly classic Italian favorite, Chicken Parmesan, then prepare to absolutely fall head over heels for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Pasta! It delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional chicken parm, but in a way that’s exponentially easier. Seriously, just dump everything into the dish and let the oven work its incredible magic. It’s truly like dinner and a little celebration, all rolled into one effortless meal!

The foundation of this fantastic dish starts with uncooked rigatoni, known for its ability to capture and hold onto delicious sauces. Cooked, diced chicken (making use of those handy leftovers or a quick rotisserie chicken) provides the satisfying protein. Rich marinara sauce and water come together to create the perfect saucy environment for the pasta to cook, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

As with all these brilliant dump-and-bake recipes, the assembly is incredibly simple. You combine the rigatoni, chicken, marinara, and water directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well-distributed, then cover it with foil. This essential step allows the pasta to cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors during the initial 40-minute bake.

After this initial cooking period, the dish is uncovered, and the magic really begins. You top it generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, creating that signature cheesy crust we all adore. For an added layer of texture and flavor, a sprinkle of Italian-style breadcrumbs is added, promising a delightful crispiness. A final 10-minute bake ensures the cheeses are melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden, delivering a truly spectacular and fuss-free Chicken Parmesan experience that will become a cherished recipe in your home!

7. **Dump-and-Bake Spinach Artichoke Pasta**If you’re absolutely in love with the creamy, comforting flavors of spinach artichoke dip, then you simply must wait until you try this Dump-and-Bake Spinach Artichoke Pasta! It’s all that incredible cheesy, garlicky goodness you adore, wonderfully mixed into a cozy pasta bake that’s not only super easy to throw together but even easier to eat. This dish is perfect for those times when you’re craving something a little indulgent without any of the usual fuss!

If you’re absolutely in love with the creamy, comforting flavors of spinach artichoke dip, then you simply must wait until you try this Dump-and-Bake Spinach Artichoke Pasta! It’s all that incredible cheesy, garlicky goodness you adore, wonderfully mixed into a cozy pasta bake that’s not only super easy to throw together but even easier to eat. This dish is perfect for those times when you’re craving something a little indulgent without any of the usual fuss!

The brilliance of this recipe lies in how it transforms a beloved appetizer into a satisfying main course with minimal effort. It features uncooked penne pasta, which provides a sturdy base for the rich sauce. Chopped artichoke hearts from a can bring their distinct, tender texture, while fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant green and a touch of wholesome goodness to the mix. The creamy Alfredo sauce forms the luxurious backbone of the dish, beautifully thinned with water to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly.

Putting this delightful meal together is astonishingly simple. You just combine the penne, artichokes, spinach, Alfredo sauce, and water directly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. A thorough mix ensures all these ingredients are evenly distributed, ready to embark on their delicious transformation in the oven. The dish is then covered tightly with foil, trapping in all the steam and flavors, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb the rich sauce during its 40-minute bake.

The grand finale involves uncovering the fragrant dish and adding the generous cheese topping that makes this a true comfort food masterpiece. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan are sprinkled over the top, promising a gooey, golden crust. A final 10-minute bake, uncovered, allows the cheeses to melt into a bubbly, irresistible blanket, perfectly complementing the creamy spinach and artichoke-infused pasta beneath. It’s an indulgent, hearty, and unbelievably easy meal that’s sure to become a cherished favorite for its sheer deliciousness and absolute convenience!

8. **Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta**If you’re absolutely wild about that fiery, tangy kick that buffalo flavors deliver, then prepare to have your dinner routine totally revolutionized by this Dump-and-Bake Buffalo Chicken Pasta! It effortlessly brings all the bold, exhilarating taste you adore from buffalo wings, perfectly fused with creamy, comforting cheese and tender pasta. The best part? It’s astonishingly simple to toss together and bake, meaning you can have a dinner with a serious flavor punch even on the busiest of evenings.

Crafting this spicy sensation is wonderfully straightforward. You’ll start with uncooked rotini, which is fantastic for capturing all that vibrant sauce. Add in some tender cooked, shredded chicken – an ultimate time-saver! Then comes the star of the show: a generous cup of buffalo wing sauce, paired with two cups of creamy ranch or zesty blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Two cups of water ensure the pasta cooks to perfection, absorbing all those incredible flavors as it bakes.

Putting it all together couldn’t be easier. Just mix the rotini, chicken, buffalo sauce, dressing, and water directly into your 9×13-inch baking dish. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover it tightly with foil. Pop it into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 minutes, letting the magic unfold as the pasta cooks and the flavors deepen into a harmonious, spicy-creamy blend.

For the grand finale, uncover your bubbling dish and sprinkle a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Send it back into the oven, uncovered, for just 10 more minutes until that cheese is beautifully melted and golden. The result is a wonderfully comforting and flavor-packed meal that perfectly captures the essence of your favorite buffalo bites, making every forkful a delicious adventure that your taste buds will thank you for!

9. **Dump-and-Bake Sausage & Pepper Pasta**For those nights when you’re craving something incredibly hearty, satisfying, and bursting with a little zesty kick, this Dump-and-Bake Sausage & Pepper Pasta is absolutely going to hit every single spot! It’s wonderfully packed with savory Italian sausage, vibrant, sweet bell peppers, and all the cozy pasta goodness you could ever wish for, all baked up in one effortlessly easy dish. This recipe is a testament to how simple cooking can still deliver truly big, robust, and satisfying flavors that feel like a warm hug.

This delightful dish starts its journey with uncooked penne pasta, providing a sturdy foundation for the rich ingredients. You’ll then add one pound of flavorful Italian sausage, conveniently pre-cooked or smoked and sliced, which lends a deep, savory note. Two beautifully sliced bell peppers – feel free to mix colors for a visual feast – bring a touch of sweetness and fantastic texture. Three cups of rich marinara sauce and two cups of water create the perfect saucy environment for the pasta to cook, while a teaspoon of Italian seasoning ties all these wonderful flavors together with aromatic perfection.

Assembly is a breeze, staying true to the dump-and-bake philosophy. Simply combine the penne, sausage, peppers, marinara, water, and Italian seasoning directly into your 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a thorough stir to ensure all components are evenly distributed and ready for their oven transformation. Cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing in all the moisture and aromas, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for a glorious 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb all those magnificent flavors.

After the initial bake, just uncover the dish, give it a quick stir to redistribute all that deliciousness, and pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake allows any excess liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to truly meld into a rich, comforting symphony. It’s a simple recipe, yes, but one that promises a deeply satisfying meal brimming with the hearty, comforting tastes of Italy, perfect for any night of the week.

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10. **Dump-and-Bake Tuna Noodle Casserole**There’s truly nothing quite like the nostalgic comfort of a classic Tuna Noodle Casserole, is there? And now, prepare to be amazed because this dump-and-bake version makes that beloved dish easier than you could ever imagine! It’s everything you adore – creamy, wonderfully cheesy, and absolutely packed with tender noodles and savory tuna – all coming together in one single dish that you simply toss together and bake. This is the ultimate meal for those cozy nights when you’re craving hearty comfort with absolutely no fuss.

The genius of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients and straightforward assembly. You’ll need 12 ounces of uncooked egg noodles, which are perfect for soaking up all the creamy goodness. Two cans of drained tuna provide the protein-packed core, while two cups of frozen peas add a pop of color and subtle sweetness. Three cups of milk create the creamy base, wonderfully enhanced by a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, half a cup of mayonnaise for that classic richness, and half a teaspoon of black pepper for a touch of warmth.

Making this delightful casserole couldn’t be simpler. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, you’ll just mix together the egg noodles, tuna, peas, milk, cheddar, mayonnaise, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure it’s all beautifully combined. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil, ready for its transformation in the oven. The oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C), and the covered dish bakes for 40 minutes, allowing the noodles to cook tenderly in the creamy sauce.

Once the initial bake is complete, uncover the dish, give it a good stir to integrate all those delicious components, and then pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered bake allows the top to get a little bubbly and golden, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony. The result is a delightfully creamy, comforting, and utterly no-fuss meal that tastes like pure nostalgia and will surely be a cherished recipe in your home for its sheer ease and deliciousness.

11. **Dump-and-Bake Pizza Pasta**If your heart truly sings for pizza but you’re constantly on the lookout for something quicker and even easier to get on the table, then look no further because this Dump-and-Bake Pizza Pasta is about to become your brand-new, absolute go-to! It’s like all your very favorite pizza flavors – think zesty pepperoni, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce – magically mixed right into a cozy, comforting pasta bake. It’s so simple to make, it’s almost unbelievable, and honestly, it’s completely impossible to resist once that cheesy aroma fills your kitchen!

If your heart truly sings for pizza but you’re constantly on the lookout for something quicker and even easier to get on the table, then look no further because this Dump-and-Bake Pizza Pasta is about to become your brand-new, absolute go-to! It’s like all your very favorite pizza flavors – think zesty pepperoni, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce – magically mixed right into a cozy, comforting pasta bake. It’s so simple to make, it’s almost unbelievable, and honestly, it’s completely impossible to resist once that cheesy aroma fills your kitchen!

This vibrant dish begins with uncooked rotini, its spirals perfect for catching every last bit of delicious sauce. You’ll need three cups of your favorite pizza sauce and two cups of water to create the perfect cooking liquid for the pasta. Then come the classic pizza toppings: a cup of thinly sliced pepperoni for that savory, slightly spicy kick, and a cup of sliced black olives for a briny, earthy counterpoint. These foundational ingredients promise a flavor profile that’s undeniably pizza-esque.

Assembling this pizza dream is as easy as, well, pie! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, simply combine the rotini, pizza sauce, water, pepperoni, and olives. Give everything a thorough stir to ensure an even distribution of all those wonderful flavors. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil and place it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook beautifully, soaking up all the rich, Italian-inspired goodness.

The grand finale is pure pizza magic: uncover the dish, and generously top it with a full cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for just 10 more minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The result is a wonderfully comforting and supremely satisfying meal that brings all the beloved flavors of pizza into a convenient, delicious pasta bake. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!

12. **Dump-and-Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta**For anyone on the hunt for a wonderfully comforting pasta bake that masterfully sneaks in some greens without anyone even noticing, this Dump-and-Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is an absolute, undeniable winner! It’s lusciously creamy, irresistibly cheesy, and generously loaded with tender broccoli florets, all baked together in one supremely easy dish. This recipe is simply perfect for a family-friendly meal that feels deliciously indulgent, yet is incredibly simple to whip up, making healthy eating a joyous occasion!

The foundation of this wholesome and tasty dish is uncooked penne pasta, providing the ideal shape to hold the creamy sauce. You’ll then incorporate three cups of vibrant broccoli florets, whether fresh or conveniently frozen, adding a lovely texture and a fantastic boost of nutrients. Three cups of milk create the rich, creamy base, beautifully complemented by a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that classic sharp flavor and another cup of shredded mozzarella for ultimate meltiness. A half teaspoon of garlic powder adds a subtle, aromatic depth.

Putting this delightful meal together is astonishingly easy. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, simply mix the penne, broccoli, milk, and garlic powder. Stir everything well to ensure an even distribution, setting the stage for a truly comforting bake. Cover the dish tightly with foil, then place it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 minutes. This covered baking time allows the pasta to cook tenderly and absorb the creamy, garlicky liquid.

After the initial bake, uncover the fragrant dish and give it a good stir. Now, for the cheesy magic: stir in both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until they are well combined. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for a final 10 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt into a bubbly, irresistible blanket that perfectly crowns the tender pasta and broccoli. It’s a satisfying, easy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy your greens, proving that healthy and indulgent can absolutely go hand-in-hand!

Read more about: Unlock Effortless Evenings: 14 Incredible Dump-and-Bake Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves

13. **Dump-and-Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta**If you utterly adore the bright, zesty, and intensely garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi but are dreaming of an unbelievably easy dinner that brings that elegance to your table with minimal fuss, then this Dump-and-Bake Shrimp Scampi Pasta is precisely the ticket! It’s absolutely packed with tender, succulent shrimp, vibrant lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together in one simple dish. This is your quick and glamorous route to bringing a little touch of sophistication to your weeknight meals, without spending hours in the kitchen!

This exquisite yet easy recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked linguine, which serves as the perfect delicate vehicle for the scampi sauce. A pound of raw shrimp, already peeled and deveined, ensures quick cooking and succulent bites. Three cups of chicken broth, a quarter cup of olive oil, and four cloves of minced garlic form the classic, aromatic scampi base. The bright, zesty notes come from the zest and juice of one fresh lemon, while a quarter cup of chopped parsley adds a final flourish of freshness and color.

Preparation for this stunning dish is beautifully straightforward, though it has a slightly different baking rhythm to accommodate the delicate shrimp. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the linguine, chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged and coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it into a *preheated 400°F (200°C) oven* for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to begin cooking and absorb those incredible flavors.

Now for the star of the show! After 30 minutes, carefully uncover the dish, give the pasta a stir, and then stir in the raw shrimp. Return the dish to the oven, *uncovered*, for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are perfectly pink and cooked through. Before serving, a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley adds that final burst of vibrant flavor and aroma. It’s an incredibly impressive yet genuinely easy meal that delivers all the elegance and deliciousness of shrimp scampi right to your dinner table!

14. **Dump-and-Bake Pesto Chicken Pasta**For all you fervent fans of fresh, incredibly herby flavors, this Dump-and-Bake Pesto Chicken Pasta is poised to become an instant, unwavering favorite in your home kitchen! It effortlessly captures that vibrant, aromatic pesto taste, beautifully combined with tender chicken and wonderfully cheesy pasta, all baked up with absolutely zero fuss or complicated steps. This recipe is the epitome of a simple yet profoundly flavorful dinner that your entire family will enjoy again and again, transforming weeknights into a gourmet experience without the effort!

This flavor-packed dish begins with uncooked penne pasta, its ridged surface ideal for clinging to the delicious sauce. You’ll need two cups of cooked, shredded chicken – an excellent way to use up leftovers or quickly prepare with a rotisserie chicken. The star, of course, is one cup of your favorite prepared basil pesto, delivering that unmistakable fresh, herbaceous punch. Three cups of chicken broth provide the liquid for the pasta to cook, and a cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds bursts of sweet, juicy freshness, along with a lovely pop of color.

Assembling this delightful meal is as easy as 1-2-3. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, simply mix the penne, chicken, pesto, chicken broth, and cherry tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pesto is evenly distributed and the pasta is well-coated. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing in all those fantastic aromas and flavors, and place it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook perfectly while soaking up the rich, fragrant broth.

For the finishing touch that truly elevates this dish, uncover the wonderfully aromatic pasta and generously top it with a full cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for just 10 more minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The result is a deeply satisfying, vibrant, and unbelievably easy meal that’s bursting with fresh, bright flavors. It’s a testament to how effortlessly you can create something truly spectacular with the dump-and-bake method!

Read more about: Unlock Effortless Evenings: 14 Incredible Dump-and-Bake Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves

15. **Dump-and-Bake Cajun Pasta**If your culinary inclinations lean towards pasta with a bold kick of spice and an abundance of flavor that really makes an impression, then this Dump-and-Bake Cajun Pasta is exactly where all the excitement is! It delivers that unmistakable, spirited Cajun kick, beautifully blended with creamy, wonderfully cheesy pasta, all baked together in one supremely easy dish. This is your go-to recipe for those evenings when you’re craving a dinner that’s not just quick and tasty, but also wonderfully adventurous and utterly satisfying!

The foundation of this thrilling dish is uncooked penne pasta, ready to embrace the vibrant Cajun flavors. You’ll then add 12 ounces of sliced andouille sausage, which brings its characteristic smoky, spicy depth and a fantastic textural element. A beautifully sliced red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely color contrast. Three cups of milk and one cup of chicken broth create a rich, creamy liquid base for the pasta, while a tablespoon of robust Cajun seasoning infuses every component with that signature zesty heat.

Preparing this flavorful feast is incredibly simple, following the tried-and-true dump-and-bake method. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the penne, andouille sausage, red bell pepper, milk, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and the pasta is evenly coated. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil and place it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb all those magnificent, spicy flavors.

After the initial baking period, uncover the fragrant dish and give it a good stir to redistribute all the deliciousness. Now, for the creamy, cheesy finish: stir in a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s beautifully incorporated and begins to melt into the hot pasta. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for a final 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become fully melted and bubbly, bringing all the bold flavors into perfect harmony. The result is a truly irresistible, easy, and sensationally flavorful meal that brings the spirit of Cajun cuisine right to your kitchen, proving that quick dinners can absolutely be a thrilling culinary adventure!

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And there you have it—15 super simple dump-and-bake pasta recipes designed to take the stress out of your dinner routine. Whether your family craves a cheesy classic, a spicy kick, or something fresh and vibrant, there’s an option here to satisfy everyone and make your evenings smoother. We hope these recipes bring delicious, effortless meals to your table and, perhaps, even a little extra time for you to relax and savor those precious moments with your loved ones. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!