This oven baked 3-ingredients lazy brie pasta is the kind of cozy, low-effort dinner that saves the day when everyone is hungry and nobody wants a complicated recipe. Brie melts into a rich, creamy sauce right in the baking dish, coating the pasta with almost no extra work, and the golden top makes it feel a little special for something so simple. It is a lovely warm-weather or cool-weather meal alike, and it is especially handy for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or those evenings when the pantry looks sparse but you still want something comforting.
This pasta is delicious with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, simple sliced tomatoes, or a piece of garlic bread to help scoop up every bit of the creamy cheese. If you want to make it feel a little heartier, serve it alongside rotisserie chicken or a platter of roasted vegetables. A glass of sparkling water with lemon or a chilled white wine pairs nicely with the richness of the brie.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredients Lazy Brie Pasta
Servings: 4
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
8 ounces brie cheese, rind on or trimmed if preferred
2 cups marinara sauce
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, then drain.
2. Spread the marinara sauce into a medium white casserole dish. Add the drained penne and stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.
3. Cut the brie into pieces and nestle them evenly over the pasta. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the brie is fully melted and the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and stir everything together until the melted brie forms a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: Use a smooth marinara without vegetable chunks if your family prefers a creamier, more uniform sauce. You can also trim the rind from the brie before adding it for an even silkier texture.
Add a little protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or a few slices of cooked Italian sausage before baking if you want to stretch this into a heartier meal.
Make it a little fancier: A sprinkle of black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a handful of chopped fresh basil on top after baking adds extra flavor without changing the easy spirit of the dish.
Watch the pasta closely: Since the pasta bakes again in the oven, undercook it slightly during boiling so it stays tender and does not turn too soft.
Choose the right dish: A smaller casserole dish helps keep the pasta nestled together so the brie melts evenly over the top instead of spreading too thin.