Cheesy Baked Penne (Printable Version)
A comforting pasta dish loaded with rich marinara sauce, savory ground meat, and layers of gooey melted cheese.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Sauce
01 -
12 ounces penne pasta
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
06 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
08 -
24 ounces marinara sauce
09 -
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
10 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Layer
11 -
1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
12 -
1 large egg
13 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
15 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 -
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
→ Baking and Garnish
17 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
18 -
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
19 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute. Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Simmer for 10 minutes.
03 -
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, black pepper, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Mix until well combined.
04 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
05 -
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top.
06 -
Allow the baked penne to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy.
# Notes:
01 -
Allow the pasta dish to rest before serving for better flavor and texture.