Baked Penne
Introduction
Baked Penne is the ultimate comfort food—a bubbling casserole of pasta, savory marinara, creamy cheese, and golden topping, all baked to perfection. Its hearty, family-style portions and rich flavors make it an easy crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Even better, it’s customizable for meat-lovers, vegetarians, or anyone who enjoys delicious melting cheese.
Why Baked Penne Stands Out
What makes this dish irresistible is the interplay of textures: tender penne pasta enveloped in tangy tomato sauce, flecked with bursts of herbs, layered with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, and finished with that signature golden crust. The simple, pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can pull this together on short notice, making it perfect for busy evenings or feeding a hungry group.
Building Layers of Flavor
The prep is straightforward, but what sets a memorable Baked Penne apart is how you layer and season. Start by sautéing onion and garlic for depth, then blend in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasonings for a vibrant sauce. Add browned sausage or ground beef for extra heartiness, or skip the meat for a vegetarian twist.
To speed up vegetable prep, especially when dicing onions or peppers, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make quick work of the chopping—keeping your hands free for other tasks.
Assembling and Baking Baked Penne
Once your pasta is al dente and your sauce is simmered and infused with flavor, stir them together and fold in a handful of shredded mozzarella. Pour the mix into a casserole dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Top generously with extra mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
Mix in sautéed vegetables or swap Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey to tailor the dish to your preference. For an even crispier top, place the casserole under a broiler for the last few minutes.
Serve your Baked Penne alongside a simple green salad—packed lunch is easy with a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, ensuring fresh greens as the perfect accompaniment. For portioning or storing leftovers, a set of Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers keeps your pasta fresh for easy meal-prepping.
Nutritional Information and Portion Size
This recipe serves around 6–8 generous portions, with each serving offering approximately 400–500 calories depending on the mix-ins you choose. It’s a balanced meal on its own or as part of a larger spread.
Baked Penne Recap
Layered with savory sauce, pasta, and gooey cheese, Baked Penne is the classic crowd-pleaser that always delivers. Its welcoming, flexible flavors and easy assembly make it a must-have in your dinner rotation—an all-in-one dish sure to bring everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast, uniform dicing.
- Add sausage or ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling with a spatula as you go. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine cooked penne with sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Stir to blend.
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup. Pour penne mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top (watch carefully).
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. For perfect storage and meal prep, transfer leftovers to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers once cool.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes