Prepare to transform an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Million Dollar Baked Penne isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a cheesy, saucy, flavor-packed experience that promises to elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality levels. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara, and a trio of mouthwatering cheeses, this dish is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's worth every single penny of its million-dollar name!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter 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. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour marinara sauce over the pasta and gently stir to coat each pasta piece evenly with sauce.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the seasonings are well incorporated into the ricotta.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the sauced pasta. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over this first layer of pasta.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Add the remaining pasta on top, creating a second layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and help the cheese melt evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your penne al dente. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushy pasta.
- Cheese Strategy: Mix your ricotta with seasonings thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish for the first part of baking helps trap moisture and ensures your pasta doesn't dry out.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow perfect browning.
- Resting is Key: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add cooked ground meat, Italian sausage, or make it vegetarian by adding roasted vegetables between layers.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve – perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
