Description
Baked Penne with Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound (450g) penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven
: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta
: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente (firm but tender). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
:
Heat olive oil
in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned.
Pour in the marinara sauce
and cream
, stirring to combine.
Season with Italian seasoning
, garlic powder
, onion powder
, salt, and pepper
.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet until coated.
Assemble the Dish
:
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella
and grated Parmesan cheese
evenly on top.
Bake
: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
: Sprinkle with fresh parsley
and serve hot. Enjoy!
Let me know if you’d like more tips or tweaks!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect baked penne. 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 and cook the penne for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for al dente pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. If using meat, brown it thoroughly, then drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the marinara and cream, stirring constantly to combine. Add all seasonings and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly and blend flavors. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce in the large pot. Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle with a third of the cheeses, then add the remaining pasta. Top evenly with the rest of the cheeses for maximum coverage.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty baked penne is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic Italian-American spread, serve alongside garlic bread or soft breadsticks. A lighter, steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans also makes an excellent side. For wine pairings, choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a robust white such as Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
To summarize, this dish involves cooking penne al dente, preparing a creamy tomato-meat sauce, combining them, layering with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked penne ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour or cream cheese will work. For a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or a unsweetened plant-based cream.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out while baking? Ensure your sauce is slightly looser than you think it needs to be before baking, as the pasta will absorb more liquid. You can also reserve a cup of pasta water to stir in if the mixture seems dry.
Can I freeze baked penne? Yes. Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What are good vegetarian protein additions? Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles. For extra protein, stir in rinsed canned cannellini beans or ricotta cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: Boil only until al dente to avoid mushy results after baking.
- Using pre-shredded bagged cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For best results, shred blocks of cheese yourself.
- Not seasoning the sauce adequately: Taste the sauce before combining with pasta. It should be well-seasoned, as the pasta and cheese will dilute the flavor.
- Skipping the garnish: The fresh parsley adds a necessary pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, baked cheese.
Conclusion
This Baked Penne with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden cheese crust. Its versatility allows for endless customization with different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Enjoy the delicious, satisfying results of this classic recipe.