This Easy Baked Penne Pasta with Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish! It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of baked goodness. Perfect for filling tummies on a cozy night!
You can never go wrong with gooey cheese bubbling on top. I love serving this pasta with a side salad to feel just a bit fancy, but let’s be real—it’s the cheesy goodness we all love! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish is all about penne because its shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use rigatoni or even rotini! Gluten-free pasta works well too if you’re avoiding gluten.
Marinara Sauce: You can go store-bought for convenience or whip up a quick homemade sauce from canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If you want a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes!
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that gooey stretchiness we all love, and cheddar adds sharpness. If you’re short on one, swap in fontina or gouda. I also like using a touch of goat cheese for tang, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ricotta Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a lovely creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, you can blend cottage cheese for a lighter version. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Golden?
Golden cheese on top is what makes baked pasta irresistible! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crust:
- Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to heat it through without burning.
- In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil so the cheese can bubble and brown.
- If you want an extra crisp top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Easy Baked Penne Pasta with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful baked penne pasta will take about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time altogether. With 10-15 minutes for boiling the pasta and assembling, plus 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy meal ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s ready for the pasta when you’re finished mixing everything together.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should just be golden and aromatic!
4. Mix the Pasta with the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, sautéed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you want an extra touch of creaminess, fold in the ricotta cheese here. Stir everything together until it’s well combined!
5. Layering the Dish:
Take half of the pasta mixture and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Then, add the remaining pasta mixture and spread it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses on top.
6. Baking:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the dish heat through without drying out.
7. Golden Cheese Time:
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This is where the magic happens!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the dish set a little. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a lovely touch of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your cheesy, comforting baked penne pasta! It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or serving a crowd. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ for Easy Baked Penne Pasta with Cheese
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber. If you’re gluten-free, just look for gluten-free penne pasta options available in stores, and follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic before mixing into the pasta, or stir in some steamed broccoli for a colorful, delicious addition!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Baked Penne Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the baked pasta to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it in the oven until warmed through.
