Description
Cheesy Baked Penne is a comforting and hearty pasta dish loaded with rich marinara sauce, savory ground meat, and layers of gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For Baking and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute.
- Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, black pepper, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the pasta, then half of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Bake the Pasta
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top.
- Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the baked penne to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes