Description
Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta
“A rich and creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and layers of gooey melted cheese—baked to golden perfection!”
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté diced onion until soft, then add minced garlic.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cooked pasta with the creamy tomato sauce.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden:
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2 minutes to get a crispy golden top.
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Pro Tip: Add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for extra protein!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center. After draining your al dente pasta, toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. While making the sauce, let the onions become fully translucent before adding the garlic to avoid bitterness. When simmering the sauce, a gentle bubble is key; a rapid boil can cause the cream to separate. During assembly, consider mixing half of the cheeses into the pasta and sauce mixture for maximum cheesiness throughout, then use the remaining half for the top layer. Finally, always let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic Italian trattoria experience, serve it with a side of garlic bread or warm, crusty focaccia. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Sangiovese complements the tomato and cheese flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
To summarize, cook penne pasta until al dente. Simultaneously, sauté onion and garlic, then create a creamy tomato sauce by adding crushed tomatoes, cream, and seasonings. Combine the pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake at 375°F until bubbly, then broil briefly for a golden-brown finish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pasta bake completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake from cold, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short, sturdy pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells will work well. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or re-crisp the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the baked penne? Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap the dish well or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat canned coconut milk is an excellent substitute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Boil only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Mushy pasta ruins the dish’s texture.
- Not seasoning the pasta water: The water should taste like the sea. This is your first and most crucial chance to season the pasta itself.
- Burning the garlic: Add garlic to the pan only after the onions are soft and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant to prevent a bitter taste.
- Skipping the broil step: The brief broil is essential for achieving that irresistible, crispy, golden cheese topping.
- Cutting and serving immediately: Letting the bake rest for a few minutes allows it to set, ensuring you get clean, beautiful slices.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a spectacularly satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for easy customization with your favorite proteins or vegetables, and its make-ahead friendliness makes it perfect for both busy weeknights and entertaining guests. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality pasta bake with a creamy interior and a perfectly golden, bubbly top every single time. Dig in and enjoy the delicious results!