Baked Penne Pasta – Easy Dinner Recipe

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne Recipe
• The Secret to a Perfectly Baked Pasta
• Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
• Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Baked Penne
• Customizing Your Baked Penne for Any Occasion
• Storing and Reheating Leftovers
• Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

– This baked penne pasta is a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

– A rich and hearty meat sauce combined with melty cheese makes this dish a family favorite.

– You can easily customize the recipe with different proteins, veggies, or cheese varieties.

– Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully, making this a great meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne Recipe

If you’re looking for easy recipes for dinner, this baked penne pasta is a must-try. With its creamy, cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting meal at home, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

The Secret to a Perfectly Baked Pasta

The key to a delicious baked pasta dish lies in the balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese. To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to slightly undercook your pasta before baking. This prevents it from becoming too soft in the oven and helps absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For the best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. If you love bold flavors, consider adding a mix of Italian sausage to your ground beef or using a smoky cheese blend. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley elevate the dish, adding a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Baked Penne

This easy pasta recipe is simple to put together in just a few steps. First, cook your pasta until slightly firm, then prepare a rich tomato-based meat sauce. Combine everything, layer with cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbling. The result? A cozy, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Customizing Your Baked Penne for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making this dish for a special gathering or just a regular weeknight, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Swap out the protein for ground turkey or chicken, add sautéed vegetables, or use a spicy marinara sauce for extra heat. You can even make a vegetarian version by skipping the meat and adding more cheese and veggies.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep the pasta from drying out. For a quick and easy meal, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

For more delicious, easy recipes, visit Clara Cooks and discover a variety of comforting meals that are perfect for any night of the week.

Baked Penne Pasta – Easy Dinner Recipe

Easy recipes for dinner with cheesy baked penne pasta, a comforting meal for busy nights.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Asian Noodle Recipes, boursin pasta, easy recipes for dinner, easy soup recipes non dairy, healthy easy soup recipes clean eating, insta pot keto chicken recipes easy, Texas Toast Sandwich Ideas

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Clara

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix in cooked Italian sausage or add a layer of ricotta cheese before baking.