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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Carefully drain pasta and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping, then set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown ground beef or sausage, eliminating excess grease.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- 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.
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray.
- In a comprehensive mixing bowl, combine cooked penne with creamy ricotta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Create the first layer by spreading half the pasta-ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute half the robust meat sauce over the pasta layer, then generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat layering process with remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese toppings.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 10 additional minutes.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken.
- 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