These hearty bakedpasta recipesare the perfectcrowd-pleasing meal.
Bake a melty masterpiece to enjoy right away, orstock up the freezerwith these tasty make-ahead options.
Plus, one-pot meals and skillet suppers can go directly from the stovetop or oven to the table.

Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel
In less than an hour you might have a hot, cheesy, pasta and chicken dish ready.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Three words that make any dinner a hit?
Chicken, bacon, and ranch.

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Ravioli Lasagna
This recipe brings two classic pasta dishes together in one skillet.
You’ll have to keep this ample main pasta dish in your regular rotation.
Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, then add everything together in the baking dish.

Credit: Greg DuPree
Meatball Pasta Bake
Orange juice andfennelgive this quick supper bright, fresh flavor.
Chop fennel as you would an onion, or omit it, if desired.
Fennel has a very mild anise flavor that can be enhanced or sweetened depending on how it is cooked.

Credit: Southern Living
Once tried by your closest crowd, you’ll find this baked pasta dish has universal appeal.
Why not roll it out at the next office potluck?
When the pasta is cooked, reserve a couple of cups of cooking water before draining the pasta.

Credit: Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar
For a rich, thick sauce, use a mixture of heavy cream and whole milk for added richness.
Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is convenient, but the best results always come from shredding your own.
Everything bakes together to hot and gooey level of perfection.

Credit: Alison Miksch
Cooking the spaghetti in the chicken broth will give you an even stronger, more savory flavor.
Best of all, the dish comes together in30 minutes or less.
Buy pre-chopped, pre-washed bagged kale and pre-shredded cheese to save prep time.

Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
The hardest part of this chicken and broccoli casserole just might be portion control.
Find it in the deli case of most supermarkets.
Native to Italy, San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor.

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Consider trying them in place of regular crushed tomatoes in the sauce.
Change the flavor profile of the recipe with combinations such as sweet peas and proscuitto or ham and broccoli.
Fresh and packaged mozzarella give it the best melty consistency.

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez
You will definitely be the winner of the dinner club night.
If you’re really short on time, consider picking up a rotisserie chicken and buying pre-shredded cheese also.
Freeze this hearty, cheesy favorite in lidded bakeware for easy transport between oven, freezer, and fridge.

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Resist digging into the casserole right out of the oven.
Letting it stand for 10 minutes allows it to firm up to the perfect consistency.
Once tried, this dish will be a regular part of your dinner plans.

Credit: Alison Miksch
This bake and serve pasta dish is satisfying and delicious.
You will never be unprepared for dinner guests with this baked pasta dish hiding in your freezer.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
This fall version of lasagna is the ideal hearty dinner for a chilly night.

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
The joy of cooking often comes in the sharing, and this dish will satisfy everyone at the table.
Don’t resist the temptation to share the recipe.
These ingredients have broad appeal, and even the pickiest of eaters will be asking for seconds.

Credit: Hector Sanchez
This is your perpetual dinner back-up plan.
Italian Casserole
This has been aSouthern Livingstandby for decades of holidays.
it’s possible for you to assemble it a day ahead and chill overnight.

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
It’s always ready in the freezer for drop-by guests!
Future you will be so grateful that you thought to make this ahead for the perfect go-to timesaver.
We guarantee this will be a dinner favorite.

Credit: Iain Bagwell
The combination of Greek spices will make your pasta supper feel special.
Choose fresh ingredients for a side salad, and you’ll be making meal memories in no time.
Leftover Turkey Casserole
Your day-after Thanksgiving leftovers just got so much tastier than a turkey sandwich.

Credit: Southern Living
And of course, this baked pasta dish should not be relegated to a holiday weekend.
Homemade Baked Lasagna
Consider this your go-to, no-frills lasagna recipe.
With lasagna noodles galore, this recipe truly has it all.

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas
The first time you make it surely won’t be your last.
Spinach Ravioli Lasagna
Store-bought sauces and frozen ravioli meet in this extra-creamy twist on lasagna.
This is one of those surprisingly easy, yet tasty meals that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Depending on the size of your group, this also performs well as a side.
So elevated, this take may just serve well at a dinner club event alongside prime rib.
Use a sprinkling of fresh herbs on each serving to dress it up even more.

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
This recipe is great for making ahead and freezing.

Credit: Greg Dupree

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Credit: Jen Causey

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Credit: Beth Dreiling; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Credit: Greg Dupree

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Credit: Southern Living

Credit: SL Van Chaplin


Credit:Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin