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?