Savory Baked Penne Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort beckons with this irresistible creamy baked penne pasta that promises pure culinary bliss.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, velvety sauce coating perfectly al dente noodles.

Every forkful carries layers of deep, satisfying flavors that melt together seamlessly.

Cheese bubbles and browns into golden perfection, creating an irresistible crust that hints at the deliciousness waiting underneath.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this simple yet impressive dish.

The aroma fills your kitchen, drawing everyone close with anticipation.

Prepare to savor a meal that feels like a warm embrace straight from the oven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Easy Baked Penne Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Provides hearty texture and catches sauce perfectly, choose bronze-cut pasta for superior sauce adhesion.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from clumping and adds subtle richness, use extra virgin for best flavor.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Delivers robust protein and deep savory notes, select meat with good fat content for maximum flavor.
• Onion: Creates foundational flavor base, opt for sweet yellow onions for balanced taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, fresh cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean profile, choose high-quality dried herb mix.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides tangy tomato base, select homemade or premium jarred sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy layer, whole milk variety offers richer texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy melt, fresh varieties provide superior taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty accent, freshly grated gives most intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Offers bright finishing garnish, choose vibrant green leaves.

Tools To Bake Easy Baked Penne Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat and creating the delicious sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining pasta with ricotta cheese.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Foil: Needed to cover the dish during initial baking.
• Measuring cups: Useful for accurate cheese and ingredient measurements.

Steps To Make Easy Baked Penne Pasta Simple

• Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook penne in salted water until tender, following package guidelines. Drain and swirl with olive oil to keep noodles from clumping together.

• Craft Savory Meat Sauce

Brown ground beef in a skillet, eliminating extra grease. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour marinara sauce and sprinkle seasonings, letting the mixture simmer and develop rich flavors.

• Layer Delicious Casserole

Warm the oven to 375F. Grease a baking dish generously. Fold ricotta into cooked pasta, creating a creamy base. Spread half the pasta across the dish, top with meat sauce, and shower with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layering for maximum deliciousness.

• Bake and Serve Magnificently

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling goodness. Rest the dish briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering creation.

Tips To Boost Easy Baked Penne Pasta Flavor

• Pasta Perfection Secrets: Smart Cooking Tips
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate your own fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese blends.
• Pasta Texture Trick: Cook pasta just 1-2 minutes shy of package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring perfectly tender noodles.
• Sauce Depth Booster: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce for deeper, more complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Protein Swap Strategy: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lower-fat or vegetarian alternatives that maintain delicious taste profiles.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Serve Easy Baked Penne Pasta Hot And Cheesy

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Slice this baked penne into generous portions and arrange on a large wooden board with extra fresh herbs scattered around. Perfect for casual gatherings where friends can serve themselves.
• Hearty Family Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette and warm garlic bread to create a complete balanced dinner. The salad's freshness will complement the rich pasta perfectly.
• Elegant Wine Pairing Suggestion: Match this robust pasta dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity will cut through the cheese and enhance the meat sauce's deep flavors.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Portion individual servings into meal prep containers for quick reheating. These baked penne portions will taste even more delicious the next day as flavors continue to meld together.

Store Easy Baked Penne Pasta Smartly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover baked penne in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Freezing Magic: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Perfection: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in oven at 350F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add 2-3 tablespoons water or extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide pasta into individual serving sizes before storing. This technique allows quick grab-and-go meals, reduces waste, and makes reheating faster and more convenient.

Creamy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty baked penne pasta combines Italian comfort with rich, creamy layers of cheese and marinara sauce. Melted mozzarella and herbs create a delicious meal perfect for family dinners, and you will savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente, then drain and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Meat Sauce Development: Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until aromatic, then introduce marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer to intensify flavors.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold ricotta cheese into cooked penne, creating a creamy base for the pasta bake.
4. Layering Technique: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Construct alternating layers of pasta-ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
5. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
6. Finishing Touches: Rest the dish for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken, then garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil immediately after draining to stop clumping and maintain individual noodle separation.
• Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain excess grease from browned meat to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Cheese Distribution Technique: Gently fold ricotta into pasta to create even, creamy pockets throughout the dish, avoiding dense cheese clusters.
• Resting is Critical: Allow the baked pasta to rest for exactly 5 minutes after cooking, which helps sauce thicken and makes serving cleaner and more structured.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 645 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg