Comforting Classic Pasta Dish

This hearty Cheesy Baked Penne has been my dinnertime salvation for years when I need to feed a hungry family with something that's both satisfying and universally loved. The combination of al dente pasta, rich meat sauce, and layers of melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience that brings everyone to the table eagerly.

I first created this dish when hosting my in-laws for the first time. Despite my nervousness about impressing them, this pasta was the conversation starter that broke the ice and has since become our family's requested meal whenever we gather.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Provides the perfect texture and holds the sauce beautifully in its ridges and hollow centers
• Ground beef: Delivers rich flavor and protein though Italian sausage offers a delicious alternative with built-in seasoning
• Marinara sauce: Forms the foundation of flavor use your favorite brand or homemade for best results
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy layer that melts into pure comfort feel free to substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy gooey texture that creates the perfect cheese pull when serving
• Italian seasoning: Infuses aromatic herbs throughout the dish look for blends with oregano basil and thyme
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness always choose vibrant bunches with no wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea to properly flavor the pasta from within. Cook the penne until it's still slightly firm about 2 minutes less than package instructions suggest. This undercooking is crucial as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven and absorb sauce flavors. After draining toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent the pasta from clumping together.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy final dish. Add the chopped onion to the skillet stirring frequently until it becomes translucent about 3 minutes. The onions should soften but not brown. Add minced garlic Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes cooking just until fragrant about 30 to 60 seconds. Garlic burns easily so watch carefully. Pour in marinara sauce and drained diced tomatoes stirring to combine all flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 10 minutes allowing flavors to marry and sauce to thicken slightly.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl combine ricotta cheese with a large egg which will help bind the cheese layer. Add garlic powder and black pepper for flavor enhancement. Fold in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan creating a rich cheese mixture that will melt into creamy pockets throughout the pasta. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and set aside.

Assemble the Dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F ensuring it's fully heated before baking. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish which prevents the pasta from sticking. Layer half of the cooked penne pasta evenly across the sauce. Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the pasta in spoonfuls then spread gently. The dolloping technique creates pockets of cheese rather than a uniform layer. Add another layer of meat sauce covering the cheese completely. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta cheese mixture and sauce. Finish with a generous topping of shredded mozzarella and parmesan ensuring complete coverage for that perfect golden crust.

Bake the Pasta:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil tenting slightly to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake covered for 20 minutes which allows the flavors to meld while protecting the top from burning. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until edges are bubbling and cheese is melted completely. For an extra golden top with crispy edges place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. The perfect baked penne should have a slightly crispy top with molten layers underneath.

Let It Rest and Serve:

Allow the baked penne to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set making serving neater and preventing burning mouths. The pasta will still be piping hot after resting. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve generous portions while still warm to experience the perfect cheese pull.

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You Must Know

• Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months for future meals

The ground beef is my favorite component in this dish as it reminds me of Sunday family dinners at my grandmother's house. She always had a pot of meat sauce simmering on the stove by noon, and the aroma would fill the house all day. That same comforting scent now fills my own home, creating new memories with each batch.

Make-Ahead Options

This Cheesy Baked Penne is perfect for meal planning and can be prepared in several ways ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing in the oven. This may require an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time since the dish will be starting cold. Alternatively, you can prepare the components separately the sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, while the pasta can be cooked just before assembly. The cheese mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

Vegetarian Adaptations

This hearty pasta bake can easily be transformed into a delicious vegetarian main dish with a few simple swaps. Instead of ground beef, try using a plant-based meat substitute, or better yet, add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetable-packed version. The mushrooms particularly portobello or cremini provide a meaty texture and umami flavor that satisfies even dedicated carnivores. For an extra protein boost, add a cup of cooked lentils to the sauce. The same cheese layers and baking instructions apply, resulting in an equally comforting and filling meal that showcases seasonal vegetables beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Baked Penne shines as the star of any meal, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can create a complete dining experience. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. For bread lovers, garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for sopping up extra sauce. If serving for a special occasion, consider starting with an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated vegetables, and thinly sliced Italian meats. For wine pairing, reach for a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the tomato sauce without overpowering the dish. During summer months, serve smaller portions with grilled vegetables on the side for a balanced seasonal meal.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this baked penne ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, simply bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes since it will be cold. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 3 months - thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute for ricotta, as mentioned in the ingredients list. You can also use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream (4 parts cream cheese to 1 part sour cream), or mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor profile.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and either replace it with a plant-based meat substitute, or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. The cheese and marinara provide plenty of flavor, so you won't miss the meat.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne works well because its tubular shape holds sauce and cheese, you can substitute other medium pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook it to al dente firmness as it will continue cooking in the oven.

→ What sides pair well with cheesy baked penne?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts also complement it nicely.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For individual portions, microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a sprinkle of water before heating to maintain moisture.