Description
Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella
Ingredients
300g penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Penne
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked penne with the sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly combined.
Assemble for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serve & Garnish
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Pro Tip
For added protein, mix in cooked chicken or sausage before baking. Pair with garlic bread
for the ultimate comfort meal!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof baked penne. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish. Cook the penne in well-salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for al dente pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, start your sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat and sauté the minced garlic for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This builds a flavor base. Pour in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir consistently and let it simmer gently—avoid a rolling boil to prevent the cream from separating.
Once the sauce thickens slightly, remove it from the heat. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce immediately. Then, stir in exactly half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This “cheesy glue” ensures every bite is flavorful. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheeses for that perfect golden crust. Bake on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes. For optimal browning, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter, contrasting sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a soft, chewy focaccia is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired feast, add sides like roasted vegetables (asparagus or broccoli work well) or simple sautéed spinach with lemon.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook penne al dente. Create a creamy marinara sauce by simmering garlic, marinara, cream, and herbs. Mix the pasta with sauce and half the cheeses. Transfer to a dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent substitutes as their shapes hold sauce 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 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water or covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or gluten-free? It is naturally vegetarian. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free penne and check your marinara sauce labels.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce as it melts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: This leads to mushy baked pasta. Always cook to al dente.
- Boiling the cream sauce: A vigorous boil can cause the cream to curdle or separate. Maintain a gentle simmer.
- Using pre-shredded cheese exclusively: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. For best results, shred your own mozzarella from a block.
- Skipping the pasta water: Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. If your finished sauce is too thick, you can use a splash to loosen it perfectly.
Conclusion
This Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella is the epitome of comfort food, combining a rich, creamy sauce with layers of melted cheese. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious and impressive dish. Its versatility for make-ahead meals and easy customization makes it a reliable favorite for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. Serve it with the suggested sides for a truly satisfying meal that is sure to please any crowd.