Description
Baked Penne with Mozzarella and Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) penne pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
(optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until heated through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Layer:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the cooked penne with the tomato cream sauce in a large bowl.
Transfer to a greased baking dish or skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
This baked penne is creamy, cheesy, and comforting—a perfect dish for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain but do not rinse. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the marinara and heavy cream. Warm gently, stirring frequently, until simmering. Do not boil vigorously. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained hot pasta and the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is essential for soaking up the extra sauce. For a heartier meal, add simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or serve alongside grilled chicken or Italian sausages.
How-to Summary
To summarize: cook penne al dente, make a creamy tomato sauce by simmering marinara with cream and seasonings, combine pasta and sauce, top with cheeses, bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent substitutes that also hold sauce well.
How can I make the sauce thicker? Let the combined sauce and pasta sit for 10 minutes before baking to allow the pasta to absorb some liquid. You can also add an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Can I freeze baked penne? It freezes well after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in a 350°F oven.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half can work, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat canned coconut milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will become mushy after baking. Do not boil the cream sauce on high heat, as this can cause it to separate or curdle; keep it at a gentle simmer. Skipping the foil cover for the first half of baking can lead to dried-out pasta and cheese that browns too quickly. Finally, do not use pre-shredded bagged cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly as cheese you shred yourself.
Conclusion
This Baked Penne with Mozzarella and Tomato Cream Sauce is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can create a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and golden dish every time. It’s versatile for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, and the make-ahead tips ensure it fits seamlessly into any schedule. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful pasta bake hot from the oven.