Description
Creamy Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella
This cheesy, creamy, and rich baked penne pasta is smothered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce and topped with melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort dish!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
3 cups penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheese Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion & garlic until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in heavy cream & Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss cooked penne pasta with the sauce and mix well.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella & Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy baked penne with garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Would you like to add ground beef or sausage for extra heartiness?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dish. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting. When cooking the pasta, undercook it by 1-2 minutes, as it will finish cooking in the oven. For the sauce, allow the crushed tomatoes to simmer for the full 10 minutes to deepen the flavor before adding the cream. When combining pasta and sauce, ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. For the topping, use a mix of low-moisture and fresh mozzarella for the best melt and browning. The final broil step is crucial; watch it constantly to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a more formal dinner, pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a dry white like Pinot Grigio complements the tomato and cream sauce perfectly.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook penne until al dente. Sauté onion and garlic, then simmer with crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Stir in cream and Parmesan to create a creamy sauce. Combine sauce with pasta, top with cheeses, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Finish with a quick broil until golden. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent alternatives that hold sauce well.
How can I make this recipe lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. Use part-skim mozzarella.
Why is my sauce too thin? Ensure you simmer the tomato base adequately to reduce it. Let the assembled dish sit for 10 minutes after baking; it will thicken as it cools slightly.
Can I freeze baked penne? Yes. Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. The texture of the cream sauce may change slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: This leads to a mushy final texture. Always cook to al dente.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce: Adding Parmesan to a violently hot sauce can cause it to seize and become grainy. Remove the sauce from heat or let it cool slightly first.
- Skipping the broil step: The broil creates the essential golden, bubbly top. Don’t skip it.
- Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: These can prevent smooth melting. For best results, shred cheese from a block.
- Not seasoning the pasta water: Salt the boiling water generously; it’s your first chance to season the pasta itself.
Conclusion
This creamy baked penne pasta is the epitome of comforting, crowd-pleasing cuisine. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its versatility allows for easy customization with proteins like ground beef or sausage, and its make-ahead friendly nature makes it ideal for both busy weeknights and entertaining. The result is a perfectly baked, irresistibly cheesy pasta that is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.