No-Boil Baked Pasta (Gluten-Free, 5 Ingredients) | CookOS
The Easiest No-Boil Baked Pasta Recipe (gluten-free) Save This no-boil baked pasta skips the pot of water entirely by baking uncooked gluten-free pasta directly in a creamy coconut milk and marinara sauce base. It's ready in under an hour with just five core ingredients and minimal cleanup.
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12-14 ounces gluten-free pasta (penne-type shape works best)
1 16-ounce can full-fat coconut milk (or any milk – I also sometimes do half broth!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce*
1.5 cups shredded organic mozzarella*
Optional: cooked protein like meatballs or sausage, added veggiesoptional 8 Ingredients Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
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1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and take out a 9×13 baking dish
2
Shake the can of coconut milk to breakup the creamy parts
3
Add the pasta to the baking dish and spread it across the dish
4
Add the milk, garlic, onion, oregano and marinara and mix well to evenly combine
5
Sprinkle cheese on top then cover the dish with tin foil
6
Bake in oven for about 35-40 minutes then remove foil and broil for about 90 seconds so the cheese starts to bubble
Tips & Notes Pro tips Use penne or a similarly shaped gluten-free pasta; long thin shapes like spaghetti may clump. The tube shape holds sauce better during baking. Stir the pasta and sauce together before baking to ensure even hydration. Uneven distribution causes some pasta to dry out. Cover the dish with foil for the first 30–35 minutes to trap steam, then uncover to let the top brown slightly if desired. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven; the pasta continues to absorb liquid and will hold together better when served. Substitutions Whole milk or half-and-half → coconut milk (use same volume; adjusts richness but not texture) Marinara sauce → vodka sauce or plain tomato sauce (changes flavor profile; adjust seasoning) Mozzarella → ricotta, parmesan, or a dairy-free blend (affects melt and creaminess slightly) Garlic cloves → 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (use if fresh garlic unavailable; reduces freshness slightly) Storage & make-ahead Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat at 325°F with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Common Questions Can I use regular (non-gluten-free) pasta? Yes. The no-boil method works with any dry pasta shape, though gluten-free pasta may soften slightly faster due to its structure.
Do I need to use coconut milk? No. Any milk works—whole milk, half-and-half, broth, or a broth-milk blend will hydrate the pasta. Coconut milk adds richness but isn't required.
What temperature and time for baking? Bake covered at 375°F for 35–45 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has been absorbed. Check at 35 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Can I add protein or vegetables? Yes. Stir in cooked meatballs, sausage, or pre-cooked veggies before baking. Raw vegetables should be finely minced or pre-cooked.
How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
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