Baked Penne Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to gather the whole crew around the table, it’s the Baked Penne Recipe. Imagine saucy layers of pasta cozied up with hearty meat, creamy ricotta, and cheesy goodness, all bubbling and golden from the oven. It’s a classic, soul-satisfying dinner—simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and the kind of food that just feels like a warm hug. This is a dish you’ll want to bake up again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself (with plenty of leftovers, of course!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward this Baked Penne Recipe really is! Each ingredient brings its own bit of magic, whether it’s savory depth, a pop of color, or just pure, creamy comfort. Here’s everything you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect shape for holding all that luscious sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften those onions and garlic to perfection.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that sets the stage for the entire dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): A must for that irresistible Italian aroma and punch of flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, meaty depth and makes this a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Shortcuts the process, but still delivers zesty, tomato-rich flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Gives the dish that saucy, comforting texture we all crave.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick beneath all that cheesy comfort.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Lends a creamy, almost decadent layer to the bake—so dreamy!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the most glorious, gooey top—worth every calorie.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and helps the top get extra golden and toasty.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional) for garnish: Adds a refreshing burst of green and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Baked Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Start by setting your oven to 375°F—it’s time to get the kitchen smelling amazing! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the penne. Cook it just until al dente (that delicious happy medium where it still has some bite), then drain and set aside. You want the pasta to hold up in the oven, so be sure not to overcook it.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Meat
In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sizzle, softening and turning sweet after about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic—just 30 seconds until that gorgeous, savory aroma hits you. Now, add your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks into savory crumbles. Cook until browned, and if there’s extra fat, drain it off for a lighter dish.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce over your browned meat. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (if you’re after a little zing) the red pepper flakes. Stir it all together and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes—this is where the flavors mingle and deepen, making the Baked Penne Recipe more than just ordinary pasta.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the rich, meaty sauce and that creamy ricotta cheese. Mix it up until every piece of pasta is lovingly coated and the ricotta is tucked all around, ready to become irresistibly soft in the oven.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and rub a little olive oil or spray on the bottom for easy serving later. Pour in half of the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle on half of your mozzarella and Parmesan for that essential cheesy pull. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven for 20 minutes—the cheese will start to melt and everything gets cozy. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is gloriously bubbly and golden brown. Let the Baked Penne Recipe rest for a few minutes out of the oven so the cheese can settle before you dig in. If you’re feeling fancy, add a shower of fresh basil or parsley on top. Your masterpiece is ready!
How to Serve Baked Penne Recipe
Garnishes
This Baked Penne Recipe is all about comfort, but a little fresh garnish lifts it into something extra special. Go for a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving—the green looks beautiful against the cheesy golden top and adds a fresh pop of flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your bubbly pasta bake with classic Italian sides for a full-on feast. Think crisp Caesar salad, warm garlicky bread, or tender roasted vegetables. Even a simple platter of sliced tomatoes topped with olive oil and salt makes a bright, juicy companion to all that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
The Baked Penne Recipe looks fantastic right in the baking dish, but if you’re hosting, try scooping it into individual ramekins for personal pasta bakes. Or, serve with a scattering of extra Parmesan and a big bouquet of basil leaves—guests will feel like they’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Baked Penne Recipe are a total blessing! Simply cover your baking dish tightly, or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors “marry” overnight, making each reheated bite just as good (if not better).
Freezing
Want to get ahead? This pasta bake freezes like a dream. Just assemble the entire Baked Penne Recipe (before baking), wrap tightly in foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge and bake as usual—dinner is practically done!
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven feel, cover and warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven keeps the top nice and toasty. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs for an instant upgrade.
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Penne Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the meat and sauté mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead. You’ll have a hearty, flavor-packed veggie version in no time.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a handy substitute and gives a similar creamy texture. Just drain it a bit before adding to the mix. Cream cheese also works in a pinch for a slightly richer twist.
Which pasta shapes can I use if I don’t have penne?
You can easily swap penne for ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini. The most important thing is to pick a sturdy shape that holds sauce and cheese well for this Baked Penne Recipe.
How long will cooked Baked Penne Recipe last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it will keep for up to 4 days. The flavors keep developing over time, making it a stellar lunch or dinner option all week long!
Can I prepare the Baked Penne Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the whole dish a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for busy nights or dinner parties when you’d rather be with your guests than in the kitchen!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of big, bubbling comfort food, look no further than this Baked Penne Recipe. It’s hearty, easy to make, and guaranteed to win over pasta lovers everywhere. Gather up your ingredients, don’t hold back with the cheese, and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a dish that’ll make memories at the table. Give it a try—your new go-to dinner awaits!
Print
Baked Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Penne recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. With layers of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese, this baked pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Saute onion, garlic, and meat until cooked. Add sauces and seasonings, simmer.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and cheese.
- Layer and bake: Layer pasta mixture and cheese in a baking dish. Bake covered, then uncover to melt cheese.
- Serve: Let the dish rest before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
