17 Family-Style Pasta Bakes to Feed a Crowd

updated Dec 1, 2023
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

A big casserole dish filled with baked pasta is not only the easiest and most affordable way to feed a crowd, it’s also the most loved. Everyone can get behind a dinner of extra-cheesy, decadent pasta on their plate — especially if they’re lucky enough to snag a scoop with some of those crispy edges.

Pasta bakes are quick to assemble and can usually be prepared or frozen ahead of time, so it’s just a matter sticking one in the oven when you’re expecting a crowd at your door, which happens a lot this time of year. Whether you love a classic baked ziti or are looking to take your lasagna to the next level with the help of butternut squash and sausage, here are 16 pasta bakes to win over your group of hungry friends and family.

Pasta Bakes for Crowd

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Cheesy Ravioli Pasta Bake

When cheese ravioli is tossed in an abundance of marinara sauce, piled in a casserole dish, layered with even more cheese, and baked, it takes on all the good qualities of the classic layered pasta dish.

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2 / 17
Baked Ziti
Here's how to make an all-star baked ziti — one that's never dry, made with a generous amount of cheese, & layered for the ultimate eating experience.
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3 / 17
Pumpkin & Ricotta Pasta Casserole

This casserole includes many of my favorite casserole elements. It isn’t too full of cheese; there is only part-skim ricotta and a handful of Parmesan here — no heavy cream or gooey cheese.

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4 / 17
Double Spinach Pasta Casserole with Pesto & Asiago Cheese
An easy, freezer-friendly pasta bake that's filled with pesto, Asiago cheese, and baby spinach.
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5 / 17
Baked Manicotti with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Thyme

This dish, redolent with sweet and chewy sun-dried tomatoes is perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.

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6 / 17
Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Spinach & Red Peppers

Put this casserole on your list — it’s a veggie-filled riff on baked mac and cheese.

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7 / 17
The Easiest Stuffed Shells
An easy recipe for pasta shells stuffed with a mix of ricotta and mozzarella and baked in marinara sauce.
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8 / 17
Cheesy Vegetarian Lasagna

It has non-typical lasagna ingredients like butternut squash and Swiss chard. It’s also an inexpensive way to feed a crowd and still leave leftovers for weekday lunches.

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9 / 17
Tomato, Broccoli & Mozzarella Pasta Casserole

You can make it ahead and reheat it in big slices for lunch.

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10 / 17
Smoky Mozzarella Pasta and Meatball Bake
How can you improve on the good ol' combination of pasta and meatballs? This saucy casserole, filled with fire-roasted tomatoes and meatballs, is proof that it can be done.
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11 / 17
Italian Sausage and Peppers Baked Ziti

Throw in some Italian sausage and sweet peppers, and the smell of this baked casserole will lure everybody into the kitchen even though the sun’s still up.

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12 / 17
Chicken Pasta Bake with Spinach & Parmesan

Pasta casseroles can also serve as weeknight suppers that will fill you up without weighing you down.

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13 / 17
Butternut Squash & Sausage Lasagna

If you want to save some time, use frozen spinach rather than blanching your own or purchase pre-grated cheese.

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14 / 17
Chicken & Tomato No-Boil Pasta Bake
A quick and easy one-pot casserole that uses dry pasta instead of boiled pasta and can be adapted to your diet and taste.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

It’s a pasta bake that’s equally at home feeding a family of four as it is fueling a high school football team.

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17 / 17
Meaty Mushroom Lasagna
This recipe calls for less meat and makes up for it with a generous dose of mushrooms. It's hearty, satisfying, and you can 100% make it the night before!
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