Dual Sauce Baked Pasta

This pasta is double the fun. Red sauce and white sauce? Yep, it’s all baked into one cheesy, cozy dish.

It’s creamy, saucy, and super satisfying. I made it on a weeknight, and we couldn’t stop eating. The layers come out so gooey and perfect.

If you love both marinara and Alfredo, this one’s for you. Dual Sauce Baked Pasta is easy, comforting, and totally crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Two-for-One Flavor Hit: With both marinara and béchamel sauces, you get a delightful contrast in flavors—savory and creamy in one bite, tangy and rich in the next!
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: The mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a gooey, cheesy perfection, creating a satisfying texture.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar, comforting flavors of marinara and creamy white sauce make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish in advance for an easy, stress-free dinner option on busy days.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Serve it up for family dinners or prepare multiple portions for a week’s worth of lunches and dinners.
• Customizable: You can swap the pasta type, add veggies, or mix in your favorite protein to create a dish tailored to your taste.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure we have all the essential tools ready to go:

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: To cook the pasta to perfection.
• Skillet: For sautéing the garlic and creating the marinara sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine your pasta with the sauces before baking.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A perfect size for baking this hearty pasta dish.
• Grater: To freshly grate the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and mixing your ingredients.

Ingredients

This recipe combines creamy béchamel sauce and tangy marinara sauce to create a delicious baked pasta. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) Penne Pasta: Penne is the ideal choice because it holds the sauce well and bakes beautifully. You can also use rigatoni or ziti for a similar effect.

Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for a robust tomato flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic to enhance the flavor of the marinara.
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced): For that aromatic garlic base.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme brings classic Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little kick of heat, but this is optional based on your spice preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to taste for the marinara sauce.

Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce):

• 2 cups Béchamel Sauce: This creamy white sauce will complement the marinara sauce perfectly. You can make it from scratch or use a store-bought version if you’re short on time.
• Butter and Flour: The base for creating the creamy béchamel sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk is best for a rich, creamy texture in the béchamel sauce.
• Nutmeg: A subtle touch of nutmeg enhances the flavor of the béchamel sauce, giving it that authentic, comforting feel.

Cheese:

• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds the perfect gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that sharp, nutty flavor that complements both sauces.

Garnish:

• Fresh Basil Leaves: For a fresh and fragrant garnish that adds color and a bit of herbaceous flavor to your dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything prepared, let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering Dual Sauce Baked Pasta!

1. Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.

Next, pour in the marinara sauce and add the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir the sauce to combine and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

3. Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a smooth roux. Let the roux cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Slowly add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg to taste. Set the béchamel sauce aside.

4. Combine the Pasta with the Sauces

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with both the marinara and béchamel sauces. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in both sauces. The combination of the rich marinara and creamy béchamel creates an incredible flavor profile that’s sure to impress.

5. Assemble the Baked Pasta

Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure that all the pasta is in one layer.

6. Add the Cheese

Top the pasta with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust while baking, adding even more flavor to the dish.

7. Bake the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor.

Variations for Dual Sauce Baked Pasta

This recipe is highly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to add a nutritious boost to your dish.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken to the pasta. You could also add pepperoni or bacon for a savory twist.
• Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable-based marinara sauce and add extra veggies to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Use Different Pasta: While penne is the classic choice, you can easily substitute rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle for a different pasta shape.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your béchamel sauce is gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour.

How to Serve Dual Sauce Baked Pasta

This baked pasta dish is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other sides to complete your meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A classic Italian side that’s perfect for dipping into the leftover marinara and béchamel sauces.
• Side Salad: Serve with a crisp, refreshing side salad, such as a classic Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a delicious and healthy side to balance out the richness of the baked pasta.

Storing Dual Sauce Baked Pasta

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a baking dish, covering it with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make this ahead of time, you can freeze the baked pasta. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	650mg
Calcium	180mg

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or just looking for a new comforting dish to try, Dual Sauce Baked Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of marinara and béchamel sauces gives it a unique depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing. Add in your favorite proteins, vegetables, or extra cheese, and you’ve got a versatile and customizable dish perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy this decadent baked pasta, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear what variations you make and how you serve it up. Happy cooking!