Description
Baked penne makes comfort food dreams come true with layers of cheesy, saucy goodness that wrap your taste buds in pure warmth. Bubbling from the oven, this hearty pasta dish delivers a satisfying meal perfect for family dinner nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Finishing Ingredients:
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a precise 375°F, creating the perfect warming environment for your pasta dish.
- Boil 12 oz of penne pasta in salted water for 8-9 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain completely in your colander.
- Mix 2 cups marinara sauce with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Fold the drained pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring every pasta tube gets completely coated with the creamy blend.
- Spread half the saucy pasta across a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, then scatter ½ cup mozzarella over the first layer.
- Add the remaining pasta on top, then generously cover with the final ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, protecting the top from burning.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges bubble with delicious promise.
Notes
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melting texture and richer flavor.
- Let the pasta cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, swap whole milk ricotta for part-skim ricotta and use less cheese.
- Add protein by mixing in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 437 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg