Why I Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, thanks to the air fryer. With its rich marinara sauce, tender ground turkey, and melted cheese, it brings all the cozy flavors of a traditional pasta bake but in a fraction of the time! It’s an incredibly easy-to-make, customizable dish that you can adapt to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s ready to serve in under 25 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a quick meal when you’re craving something hearty and filling. The best part? The air fryer ensures the cheese melts beautifully, and the top gets a perfect golden-brown finish, all without the need for a conventional oven. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the family, this pasta bake has you covered!
Cheesy Pasta Bake in the Air Fryer
Yields: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces ground turkey (or any other ground meat, such as chicken, beef, or sausage)
- 6 ounces pasta (I used rigatoni, but you can use your favorite shape like penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
- 1 cup pasta sauce (I used marinara, but any tomato-based sauce works)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (about 4 tablespoons, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. For best results, cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the air fryer. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Veggies and Meat:
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add the ground turkey (or your preferred meat) to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through.
3. Combine the Sauce and Pasta:
- Stir in the pasta sauce and cooked pasta, tossing to combine. Let it simmer for a minute or two on the stovetop to ensure everything is well-mixed and heated. Remove from heat.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
5. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture into an oven-proof dish that fits in your air fryer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Air Fry:
- Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is bubbling. Timings may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on it after 7 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta a little less than the package instructions suggest since it will continue cooking in the sauce and air fryer.
- Cheese: For a variety of flavors, try a blend of cheeses. Mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, or even a sprinkle of parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to dice them small so they cook evenly and combine well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Meat Substitutes: If you don’t have ground turkey, try ground chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: If you’re making this dish ahead of time, let it cool fully before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep: This is a fantastic meal prep option! You can prepare the pasta mixture, store it in individual portions, and then just air fry as needed when you’re ready to eat.
- Nutritional Info: The nutritional values are based on a single serving of the dish (1 of 2 servings). Please note, the calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Dish Size: The air fryer dish size used here is a 7.5-inch Staub casserole dish. Make sure to use a dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket for even cooking.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked pasta for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the ground turkey and substitute it with vegetarian crumbles or more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a meat-free version.
3. Can I use a different sauce?
Yes! Feel free to use any sauce you like—pesto, alfredo, or even a white sauce would work well in this recipe.
4. Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double this recipe! Just make sure to use a larger oven-safe dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer and adjust the cooking time if needed.
This Air Fryer Cheesy Pasta Bake is the ultimate go-to meal when you’re looking for something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s easily customizable and can be adapted to fit your tastes. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that will fill you up and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy
