Baked Penne

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Why Make This Recipe

Baked penne is a fantastic dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one serving. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want to impress your family and friends at a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is full of creamy goodness that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, you can customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

If you love pasta dishes but want something with a twist, baked penne is the way to go. The creamy mixture of spices, cheeses, and pasta creates a delightful texture that contrasts wonderfully with a crispy, golden top. This dish is versatile too; you can add vegetables, meats, or even swap out the cheese to make it your own.

How to Make Baked Penne

Making baked penne is straightforward and involves just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a delicious homemade meal that even your kids will enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked penne cooks evenly and adequately.

2. Cook the Penne Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions for al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together well until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial as it will help bind your pasta and sauce together.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked penne pasta and the spaghetti sauce. Then, add the cream cheese mixture and blend everything until it’s well combined. The goal is to coat the pasta evenly so that every bite is full of flavor.

5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer your pasta mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks properly throughout.

6. Add Toppings: Top the pasta mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust when baked.

7. Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cheese. This helps in browning the cheese as it bakes and adds a bit of extra flavor.

8. Bake: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning.

9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting period allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Baked Penne

Baked penne is perfect as a main dish. Serve it hot from the oven, either as is or alongside a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider garnishing it with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

For a fun serving option, you can also serve it family-style in the baking dish. Place it on the table and let your family or guests help themselves. This creates a more casual and inviting atmosphere.

How to Store Baked Penne

If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be unlikely given how delicious it is!), storing baked penne is quite simple. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

When you’re ready to reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven will yield a better texture.

Tips to Make Baked Penne

• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish will greatly depend on the quality of the sauce and cheeses you use. Opt for high-quality spaghetti sauce and fresh cheeses when possible.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the penne will bake in the oven, it’s important not to overcook it at this stage. Aim for al dente, which allows for a bit of firmness that holds up well in the oven.

• Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add protein, vegetables, or other cheese varieties. Cooked ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach can all work wonderfully in baked penne.

• Be Generous with Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Feel free to add more garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

• Coat the Pasta Well: Ensure that all pasta pieces are coated in the sauce and cheese mixture. This ensures an even flavor throughout.

Variation

While this baked penne recipe is delightful on its own, you can easily make variations to suit your tastes. Consider some of the following ideas:

• Vegetable Baked Penne: Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. This not only makes the dish healthier but also adds beautiful colors and textures.

• Meat Lovers Baked Penne: Incorporate cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken for a heartier meal.

• Cheesy Baked Penne: For an ultra-cheesy version, increase the amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan, or add in some ricotta cheese for a richer texture.

• Spicy Baked Penne: Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make baked penne ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

2. Can I freeze baked penne?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked penne for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.

3. What type of pasta can I use?
While penne is traditional for baked pasta dishes, you can use any short pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Making this baked penne recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also create a delightful culinary experience in your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and effort, you too can serve up a meal that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare. Enjoy your delicious baked penne!

Baked Penne

Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy baked penne dish, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
3. Make the cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with spaghetti sauce and the cheese mixture until well coated.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the recipe with vegetables or proteins of your choice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: baked penne, pasta, comfort food, Italian, creamy