Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience? This Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, flavor-packed sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine perfectly cooked penne nestled in a rich blend of three incredible cheeses, smothered in zesty marinara sauce, and baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises restaurant-quality deliciousness right from your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese mixture and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese blend.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta to create a cheesy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot as a delicious main course.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente – it continues cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly firm to prevent mushiness.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade is great, but a premium store-bought sauce works wonderfully too.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture or mix in some cream cheese.
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after baking – this helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier.
- Feel free to customize! Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables to make this dish your own.
- For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
