Baked Penne Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food to bring the whole family together, look no further than this Baked Penne Recipe. Every bite is packed with hearty pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara, and layers of gooey cheese for a satisfying dish that’s as irresistible as it is approachable. Whether you need a foolproof potluck contribution or just want a warm, bubbly dinner at home, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Penne Recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple, tried-and-true ingredients. Each one has its own starring role in the final flavor, creating that classic, crave-worthy balance of saucy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The classic tubular shape holds onto every bit of sauce and cheese for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle, fruity richness to the base of the sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Makes the dish hearty and filling; try Italian sausage for a different spin if you’d like.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aroma and an authentic Italian flair that you smell the moment the skillet hits the heat.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: A shortcut to a robust, savory tomato base; use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend gives every bite a hint of Mediterranean herbs for extra vibrancy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps balance and round out all the flavors in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it gives the casserole a luscious, almost decadent texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gorgeous stretches and provides that must-have bubbly, golden top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty layer that balances the richness of the other cheeses.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end for a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Baked Penne Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente, usually about a minute less than the package instructions. This keeps the noodles firm since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside—no rinsing needed, you want that starch to help the sauce cling!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned and crumbly with no pink remaining. Toss in the diced onion and garlic and keep sautéing for another 3 to 4 minutes. By now, the kitchen should smell absolutely amazing and those vegetables will have softened beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Once the meat is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld, infusing the ground beef with herby, robust tomato goodness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked penne with the rich, meaty sauce and dot in the creamy ricotta cheese. Gently fold everything together until the ricotta starts to swirl through the pasta—don’t worry about mixing it completely, those pockets of cheese are pure magic later!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in half the pasta mixture. Sprinkle generously with half the mozzarella and Parmesan for that cheesy, melty middle. Add the rest of the pasta on top and finish it with the remaining cheeses, layering for optimum gooeyness in every spoonful once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven at 375°F. Let it bake for 20 minutes so everything gets beautifully hot and melty. Remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top turns golden and the cheese bubbles enticingly—you’ll know it’s ready by the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the Baked Penne Recipe rest for a few minutes to set up. If you like, a handful of chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over the bubbly cheese will add color and a little fresh flavor. Now comes the best part—dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes for Baked Penne Recipe include chopped fresh parsley or basil for an herbaceous finish. You can also try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a pop of salty goodness, or a dash of crushed red pepper if you prefer a cozy kick of heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is irresistible on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Garlic bread is another non-negotiable—perfect for mopping up that saucy, cheesy goodness left in the pan!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Baked Penne Recipe family-style straight from the baking dish, or spoon it into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. Want to impress? Top each serving with a delicate chiffonade of basil and a drizzle of good olive oil for a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Penne Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just transfer portions to airtight containers once cooled—this makes for quick, satisfying lunches or effortless dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this recipe! Assemble the entire dish but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For smaller portions, the microwave works great too—just cover to trap the steam so the pasta stays moist and cheesy!
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Penne Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any vegetable medley you enjoy. The result is just as comforting and hearty, packed full of flavor and satisfying bites.
What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have penne?
If penne isn’t on hand, ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini all work beautifully. The key is to use something sturdy with enough ridges or tubes to soak up the sauce and cheese for maximum flavor.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Homemade marinara makes this dish incredibly special, but store-bought works wonderfully too. Choose your favorite for a shortcut, or go homemade when you have the time and extra tomatoes on hand!
Is there a gluten-free option for Baked Penne Recipe?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or other gluten-free pasta brand. Prepare and bake just as instructed—the results are every bit as delicious and satisfying for everyone at your table.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the Baked Penne Recipe up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven before dinner, adding an extra 10 minutes bake time. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or when you want to get ahead for company.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Penne Recipe is sheer comfort in a casserole dish, delivering big flavors and plenty of cheesy smiles every time. Whether you’re making dinner for family, friends, or just indulging on a cozy night in, I hope you give it a try—and that it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Print
Baked Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Penne recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines pasta, savory meat sauce, and three types of cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this easy-to-make baked pasta will become a new favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese.
- Layer the dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish, top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
