Many people make this mistake.

🍝 Pro tip: If the package says to boil for 10 minutes, cook it for 7–8 before draining.

🍽️ Bonus Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake

1. Sauce Generously

Undercooked pasta needs extra moisture to finish cooking. Make sure your sauce is plentiful—even a little runny is okay before it bakes. It will thicken in the oven.

2. Use a Layering Strategy

Just like lasagna, layering ingredients (pasta → sauce → cheese → repeat) helps distribute flavor evenly and prevents dry spots.

3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Once baked, let your dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and prevents it from sliding all over the plate.

4. Top it Right

Want that golden, crispy finish? Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle on top before baking. Broil in the last 2–3 minutes for extra crunch.

🧀 Final Thoughts

Comfort food like baked pasta is easy to make—but just as easy to get wrong. If you find your pasta dishes turning out mushy or overly soft, you’re probably making the same mistake most people do: fully cooking the pasta before it hits the oven.

Now that you know the secret, your next pasta bake will be firm, flavorful, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.

So next time you prep your favorite baked ziti, stuffed shells, or mac and cheese, remember: undercook now, perfection later.

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