Description
Baked Penne Pasta with Cheese and Marinara
Ingredients
:
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Marinara Sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Baked Penne:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Then fold in the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pasta:
Bake the penne for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
This Baked Penne Pasta with Cheese and Marinara is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
A mix of rich cheeses and flavorful marinara, topped with a crispy golden layer. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof baked penne. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in well-salted water, but remove it 1-2 minutes before the package’s “al dente” time, as it will continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce and cheese mixture. When assembling, ensure the pasta and sauce are evenly combined before gently folding in the cheese mixture to maintain its distinct, creamy pockets. Spread evenly in the dish and top with the reserved mozzarella for an even, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is essential for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, start with a simple antipasto platter or a classic Caesar salad. Leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
To make Baked Penne: 1) Boil penne until slightly undercooked. 2) Sauté garlic, then simmer with marinara and seasoning. 3) Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs. 4) Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture in a greased dish. 5) Top with extra mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent substitutes that hold sauce and cheese well.
How can I add protein? Brown ½ pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it into the marinara sauce before assembling.
Can I freeze baked penne? Yes. Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Is the egg necessary? The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny. For an egg-free version, increase the Parmesan by ¼ cup to help with binding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: This leads to mushy baked pasta. Always undercook it slightly.
- Not seasoning each component: Season the boiling water, the marinara, and the cheese mixture for layered flavor.
- Using cold ingredients: Let the ricotta and egg come to room temperature for easier, smoother mixing.
- Skipping the preheating step: A properly preheated oven is crucial for even cooking and proper cheese melt.
Conclusion
This Baked Penne Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a spectacularly cheesy and satisfying meal. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Its versatility for make-ahead preparation and easy customization ensures it will become a cherished recipe in your regular rotation. Dig in and enjoy the delicious results!