I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe for Easy Baked Penne Pasta with you! This dish has been a staple in my home for years, and I can’t help but smile every time I think about it. The warmth of the cheesy, gooey pasta bubbling in the oven brings such comfort, don’t you think?
I remember the first time I made it for a group of friends. I was nervous, but once that heavenly aroma filled the kitchen, everyone’s eyes lit up! It was a hit, and I’ve been tweaking the recipe ever since to make it even more delightful. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—I can’t count the number of times I’ve customized it based on what I had in my pantry or what veggies were in season. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
What’s in Easy Baked Penne Pasta?
Penne Pasta: Of course, we need our star ingredient! Penne’s tubular shape is perfect for holding onto the rich sauce. I love using whole wheat penne to make it a bit healthier.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara is essential. I’m all about the classic brands like Rao’s or even homemade if I’ve got the time. The sauce brings the whole dish together with its tomato goodness.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds such richness to the dish. It’s also a fabulous source of protein! I usually go for whole milk ricotta, but part-skim works just fine, too.
Shredded Mozzarella: You can’t have baked pasta without a glorious cheesy topping! I often grab a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for that delicious pull.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top elevates the flavors tenfold. It gives that beautiful, salty bite that perfectly complements the dish.
Spinach or Kale: Sneaking in some greens! You can swap in frozen or fresh, and it adds both nutrients and a nice color contrast.
Oregano and Basil: These dried herbs give the dish a lovely Italian flair. Fresh herbs are fantastic if you have them on hand!
Is Easy Baked Penne Pasta Good for You?
Oh, the beauty of this dish is its flexibility! You can make it healthier by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers!
Penne Pasta: While it’s delicious, regular pasta can be high in carbs, so consider whole wheat or gluten-free options if you’re watching your intake.
Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese: They’re rich in calcium and protein but can be high in fat. Moderation is key here, and opting for part-skim cheeses can help.
Overall, this dish can be part of a balanced meal when paired with a side salad. And let’s be real—life is too short not to enjoy a little cheese now and then!
Ingredients List
– 12 ounces penne pasta (serves about 6)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Baked Penne Pasta?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella, chopped spinach, oregano, and basil. Mix until everything is well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for about 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy!
Cheesy Tips & Variations
– Want to spice it up? Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the mix.
– If you’re into making it non-vegetarian friendly, shredded rotisserie chicken is a delectable addition.
– Feel free to swap out the cheeses—try Gruyere or a smoked cheese for a gourmet twist!
– Serve with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
I really hope you give this Easy Baked Penne Pasta a try! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. And I would absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you. Snap a pic, drop me a message, and let’s swap cooking stories—happy baking!
