Easy Baked Penne Pasta
Easy Baked Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring al dente penne enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With its customizable nature, you can easily add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours. Delight in every cheesy bite that evokes warmth and nostalgia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix cooked penne with marinara sauce until well coated; then gently fold in the ricotta mixture.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the penne mixture in it. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella. Add the rest of the penne mixture and finish with more mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or proteins like grilled chicken or sausage. - For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream before baking. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.