Description
This comforting Cheesy Penne Bake blends creamy cheese, hearty pasta, and flavorful marinara into a bubbly oven-baked classic. Ideal for any day of the week!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 pound cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and half the mozzarella. Stir until smooth.
- Drain pasta and fold it into the sauce mixture. Add the cooked meat if using, and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden top.
Notes
Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. Leftovers reheat well for another cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy penne, baked pasta, casserole, family dinner