Feeding a table of people is easier when dinner comes in one dish everyone can share. A pasta bake gives you a comforting main course, simple sides, and the freedom to choose a version that fits your evening.
Use Garnish & Gather's 32 oz Stockyards Smoked Tomato Marinara Sauce for the rich tomato flavor and smoky finish. Choose one of the ideas below and follow your baked-pasta recipe for quantities and cooking instructions.
1. Baked penne with roasted vegetables
Penne or rigatoni makes a good starting point for a casual pasta bake. Pair the marinara with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, then add the cheese your recipe calls for.
Roasting the vegetables first gives them color and helps keep extra moisture out of the baking dish. Cook the pasta as directed for your chosen bake, rather than assuming it needs the same cooking time as pasta served straight from the pot.
Serve with a crunchy green salad and a simple vinaigrette. The fresh side is a welcome partner to warm pasta and melted cheese.
2. Vegetable lasagna for a slower evening
When you have a little more time, use smoked tomato marinara between layers of noodles, cheese, and cooked vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, and roasted peppers offer a colorful combination.
Drain cooked vegetables well, and follow your lasagna recipe for the type of noodles, layering, and baking instructions. Let the finished dish rest as directed before cutting it so the portions hold together more neatly.
A basket of bread is all you need alongside. Keep a little extra sauce warm for anyone who likes another spoonful.
3. Stuffed shells for a dinner worth sharing
Fill large pasta shells using a favorite ricotta or vegetable filling recipe. Nestle them into marinara and add the remaining sauce and toppings as directed. The shells make serving easy, whether dinner is for two or a fuller table.
For a little freshness, finish the baked dish with torn basil. Put a bowl of dressed greens nearby and let the pasta be the main event.
Pick the bake that fits your evening
Choose penne for straightforward assembly, lasagna when you have time for layering, or shells for individual portions. Add a salad, set the baking dish on the table, and let everyone help themselves.
Shop the 32 oz Stockyards Smoked Tomato Marinara Sauce for your next pasta dinner, then invite everyone to the table.