The Coziest Easy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Weeknight dinners just got more delightful with this creamy baked penne pasta that promises comfort in every bite.

Melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors you’ll adore.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Fresh herbs and a golden, crispy top make this recipe stand out from typical pasta casseroles.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly these ingredients blend into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and allowing each component to shine.

Each forkful delivers a warm embrace of Italian-inspired goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Easy Baked Penne Pasta Is Warm, Cheesy, And Crowd-Pleasing

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This baked penne recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Feast: Packed with hearty meat sauce and gooey melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour, providing a stress-free meal option that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy pasta bake.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easy to adapt with different meats, cheeses, or seasonings, this recipe allows home chefs to get creative and personalize the dish to their taste preferences.

Ingredients For Easy Baked Penne Pasta

• Ground Beef: Rich source of protein, adds hearty flavor to the sauce.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, perfect for baked dishes.
• Italian Sausage: Optional meat alternative with robust flavor profile.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy binding ingredient that adds smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates golden stretchy top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp aged cheese that provides depth and saltiness.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking, adds subtle flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic base that enhances overall sauce depth.
• Garlic: Provides intense savory undertone to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds authentic Italian flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall dish seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra spiciness.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish with bright, fresh herbal notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Alternative herb garnish with mild green flavor.

How To Make Easy Baked Penne Pasta In The Oven

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the penne pasta and cook until tender yet slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Create Savory Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently, allowing the flavors to blend.

• Build Delicious Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then top with half the meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.

• Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy while hot.

Tips To Make Easy Baked Penne Pasta Extra Cheesy

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil immediately after draining to stop noodles from sticking together and ensure each bite is perfectly coated.
• Customize Meat Options: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that keeps the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Cheese Enhancement Trick: Mix ricotta with an extra egg and grated Parmesan to create a creamier, richer cheese layer that adds depth and smoothness to the pasta bake.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference, from a mild sprinkle to a generous shake, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pasta according to their spice tolerance.

How To Store Easy Baked Penne Pasta The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover baked penne in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the pasta sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Store the dish in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
• When ready to reheat, add a splash of extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, warm the pasta in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as ricotta cheese tends to separate and become grainy when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within 3-4 days of original preparation.

Great Sides To Match Easy Baked Penne Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty meat sauce with a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness and enhances the tomato and beef flavors.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, arugula, fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy, savory profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious meat sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the robust meat sauce and cut through the rich cheese, offering a delightful palate-cleansing effect.

Creative Ways To Upgrade Easy Baked Penne Pasta

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace ground beef with seasoned lamb and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transforms the classic pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Swap meat with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Mix in spinach and use plant-based ricotta for a nutrient-packed vegetarian version that keeps all the cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Use ground turkey and mix in black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with a drizzle of chipotle cream sauce for a zesty southwestern-style pasta bake.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute meat with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce and sprinkle with fresh dill for an elegant seafood pasta casserole that feels restaurant-worthy.

Easy Baked Penne Pasta Questions Answered

• What makes this baked penne pasta different from other pasta dishes?

This recipe combines multiple cheese types and a hearty meat sauce, creating a rich, layered flavor that’s more complex than standard pasta recipes. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives it a creamy, indulgent texture.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, this baked penne is an economical meal that feeds several people. With basic ingredients like pasta, ground meat, marinara sauce, and common cheeses, you can create a delicious dinner without spending a lot of money. One pan typically serves 4-6 people.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes, which adds a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes. For spice lovers, you can increase the amount to kick up the heat.

Easy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting “easy baked penne pasta” brings Italian-inspired warmth to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty goodness. Melted mozzarella and rich marinara sauce invite you to savor each delicious, satisfying bite of this classic homestyle meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additives:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and generously add salt. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil and submerge penne pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency as recommended on packaging.
2. Carefully drain pasta and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping, then set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown ground beef or sausage, eliminating excess grease.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray.
7. In a comprehensive mixing bowl, combine cooked penne with creamy ricotta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
8. Create the first layer by spreading half the pasta-ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Distribute half the robust meat sauce over the pasta layer, then generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10. Repeat layering process with remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese toppings.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 10 additional minutes.
13. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving, adding a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Select short penne pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavor in every bite.
• Generously salt pasta water to enhance overall taste, ensuring the noodles are seasoned from within.
• Pat ground meat dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and develop deeper caramelized flavors.
• Use full-fat ricotta for creamier texture, which melts smoothly and creates richer consistency throughout the dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness of cheese and meat sauce.
• Allow baked pasta to rest briefly after cooking, helping cheese set and making serving easier without falling apart.
• Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using spicy marinara sauce for those who enjoy more kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg