The Ultimate Comforting Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe

Baked penne with its creamy, cheesy goodness can transform a simple dinner into a memorable meal.

Melted cheese stretches across perfectly cooked pasta, creating layers of rich flavor.

Comfort arrives through each hearty bite packed with deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together in a magic combination that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together in one baking pan.

You will fall in love with every delectable, golden-edged morsel that promises pure satisfaction.

Tasty Twists on the Classic Cheesy Baked Penne

• Vegetarian Penne Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap traditional cheeses with cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a creamy, lactose-free baked pasta.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using lean ground turkey and reducing overall carbohydrate content for a lighter meal.

FAQs

• Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Yes, kids love this cheesy baked penne! The mild flavors and gooey cheese make it appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat a hearty meal with meat and tomato sauce.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with ziti, rigatoni, or even medium shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce and cheese well.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the sauce, and choose part-skim mozzarella and ricotta to reduce calories without compromising flavor.

• What if I want to make this vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant to create a robust, protein-rich vegetarian sauce.

Why Cheesy Baked Penne Is a Timeless Favorite

• Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Adaptable for picky eaters and big gatherings, this cheesy baked penne delivers universal appeal with its classic flavor combinations and generous portions.
• Prepare ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – an excellent option for make-ahead meals that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Baked Penne

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the meaty sauce.

• Penne: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and savory finishing cheese.

• Marinara Sauce: Flavorful tomato base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture to the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing pasta sticking.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish for serving.

• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking.

Simple Steps to Make Cheesy Baked Penne

Step 1: Boil and Prep Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook until it’s just shy of being completely done.

Drain the pasta and give it a quick toss with olive oil to keep those noodles from getting clingy.

Step 2: Craft a Flavorful Meat Sauce

Heat up a skillet with olive oil.

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra fat.

Introduce chopped onions to the pan and let them dance until they’re soft and translucent.

Sprinkle in garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some excitement.

Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring everything together.

Let the sauce simmer and develop its rich flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Layer with Love

Warm up your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of oil or cooking spray.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.

• First layer of pasta
• Half of the cheese mixture
• Layer of meat sauce

Repeat these layers one more time, then crown the top with extra mozzarella and parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your masterpiece sit and settle for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Dive in and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Helpful Tips for Creamy, Baked Perfection

• Cook penne 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to ensure a tender, al dente bite that won't turn mushy during baking.
• Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering to create a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella and parmesan to achieve a perfect balance of stretchy and sharp flavors with optimal melting consistency.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep a breeze.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish's hearty character.

Best Way to Keep Baked Penne Fresh and Warm

• Store cooled pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese top.

Delicious Pairings for Baked Penne Pasta

• Uncork a Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese with its bright acidity.
• Toss a Crisp Side Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty pasta, adding a light, zesty contrast to the warm dish.
• Serve Garlic Herb Focaccia: Bake a rustic Italian bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a crunchy texture.
• Refresh with Sparkling Beverage: Pour chilled sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light Italian soda to cleanse the palate between rich, cheesy bites.

Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy baked penne delivers pure Italian-inspired comfort straight from your kitchen. Rich pasta layers meld with melted cheese, creating a soul-warming dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekend meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm (approximately 1-2 minutes less than package recommendation). Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, discarding excess fat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then incorporate minced garlic, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour marinara and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
4. Whisk ricotta, egg, garlic powder, black pepper, mozzarella, and parmesan in a separate bowl until smoothly integrated.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin sauce layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Create alternating layers: pasta, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan on top.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized cheese topping.
9. Rest the dish for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by removing it from boiling water when it’s slightly undercooked, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, rich meat sauce flavor.
• Customize the recipe by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Add depth to the cheese mixture by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano, enhancing the overall aromatic profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg