Baked Penne Recipe

This hearty baked penne recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food. A crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 737.5 kcal
Protein 86g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Baked Penne

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Penne

  • Ground Beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • Penne
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Yellow Onion
  • Green Pepper
  • Red Pepper
  • Mushroom
  • Carrot
  • Spinach
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Baked Penne

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

65 g

Sugar

35g

Fat

105g

Carbs

15g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)