Description
This baked penne recipe is a comforting Italian-American pasta bake featuring al dente penne pasta combined with a flavorful meat and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family-friendly main course, it’s easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead or frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until meat is browned and onion softens, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, then add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce mixture for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. For a golden brown, crispy top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the baked penne rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Adding sautéed spinach or other vegetables enhances nutrition and flavor.
- This dish freezes well; assemble ahead and freeze before baking for easy meal prep.
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier version or stick with ground beef for a milder taste.
