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Pastably Perfect – Your Cozy, Cheesy Pasta Bake

Shrimply Divine: Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits You’ll Want on Repeat

Pastably Perfect Mini Bake is another crave-worthy dish from my upcoming book Dinner for One: One Pan, One Plate, One Happy Belly.


This one’s all about cozy comfort — think bubbling, melty cheese, tender pasta, and your favorite mix-ins baked into a golden, one-dish wonder. It’s rich, flexible, and ridiculously satisfying without being complicated.


Whether you're cooking for one, two, or your entire family, this dish delivers. The measurements here are for one genuine portion — no leftovers, no waste. Just double, triple, or quadruple the ingredients depending on how many mouths you're feeding. Easy as that.


Let’s dive in... and get that pasta bake bubbling:


🕒 Prep Time: 10–15 min🔥 Cook Time: 20–25 min⏳ Total Time: 30–40 min


🔥 HOW IT’S GONNA GO DOWN

Boil, Mix, Bake


🧺 BLOCK PARTY (INGREDIENTS)

Serves 1 cozy, comfort-food craving human

  • Pasta (~½ cup dry): Penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni

  • Liquid (~2 tbsp): Cream, milk, broth, or tomato sauce

  • Cheese (~⅓–½ cup): Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or a mix

  • Veggies to vibe with (~½ cup): Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers (lightly sautéed or steamed)

  • Extras (optional): A spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, or fresh herbs for topping


🍗 CALL IN YOUR POWER PLAYERS (~4–6 oz)

  • Cooked ground turkey, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken

  • Canned tuna or chickpeas

  • Roasted tofu or lentils


🌿 ASSEMBLE YOUR FLAVOR CREW

  • Herby: Basil, oregano, thyme, garlic

  • Savory: Onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper

  • Tangy: A touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic


👩‍🍳 HERE’S THE GAME PLAN – FILL, FOLD, SIZZLE

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a small oven-safe dish, mix pasta, veggies, protein, flavor crew, liquid, and half the cheese.

  3. Top with remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if using).

  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

  5. Let it cool slightly, garnish with herbs, and dig in!


✨ PLAY YOUR WILD CARD

  • No oven? Mix it all in a skillet and let it melt together stovetop-style.

  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili oil.

  • Want extra creaminess? Add a dollop of ricotta or a splash of pasta water to your mix.


This is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl — cheesy, cozy, and endlessly adaptable.


Make it your own. Trust your taste. And if you give it a whirl, tag me — I’d love to see your twist on it!


With Flavor Love,


Kerstin

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Hi I'm Kerstin.

 

Welcome! Cooking is not just my passion; it's my mission to ignite that same passion in you. I'm here to share the joys of crafting flavorful, healthy meals that nurture better health and create cherished moments around the dining table. Unraveling the secrets of cooking, I aim to simplify the process, turning your kitchen into a hub of pure enjoyment. My goal is to inspire through approachable yet exciting food, offering tricks and tips to elevate your cooking adventure and infuse positivity with my favorite inspirational quotes. Dive into my blog posts, and I'd love to hear from you through comments. If you're inspired, don't hesitate to share the joy with others.

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