Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheesy baked penne—it’s the ultimate comforting classic! There’s just something so magical about that melty cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce all coming together in one warm dish. I swear, every time I make it, the smell wafts through the house, and my family gathers around the kitchen, drawn in like moths to a flame. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a cozy hug and makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a simple weeknight dinner, this cheesy baked penne is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite. Trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Ultimate comfort food that warms your soul
- Rich, cheesy flavor that’s absolutely irresistible
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week
- Endless customization options—add meat or veggies if you like!
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Penne
Getting ready to dive into this cheesy baked penne? Let’s walk through the steps together! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential because it helps the dish cook evenly, ensuring that cheese gets that perfect bubbly, golden brown finish. Don’t skip this step!
Cook the Pasta
Next up, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to have a little bite to it since it’ll continue to soften in the oven. Trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta in this dish!
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated and you see that lovely creamy texture. It should look deliciously combined and ready for the oven!
Transfer and Bake
Now, transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese—oh, the cheesy goodness! Bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen, and the cheese has that irresistible melty look!
Tips for Success
Want to take your cheesy baked penne to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to add ground meat like beef or turkey for a heartier dish—just brown it before mixing it in. You can also sneak in some veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving can really brighten things up. And if you want that extra cheesy pull, try mixing in different cheeses like fontina or gouda. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference in flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cheesy baked penne is packed with deliciousness and comfort! It contains approximately 450 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying meal. You’ll also find about 50 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber per serving. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect in this creamy, cheesy delight!
FAQ About Cheesy Baked Penne
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cheesy baked penne is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—though you might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly!
What Variations Can I Try?
The beauty of cheesy baked penne is its versatility! You can easily swap out the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor profile. Want to add some protein? Toss in cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. For a veggie-packed dish, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. The options are endless, so get creative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3-4 days—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. You might even find the flavors have melded beautifully overnight!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your cheesy baked penne experience, consider pairing it with a light, fresh salad. A simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a zesty lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish perfectly. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread for that delightful crunch. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheesy baked penne fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they might not last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, just microwave individual portions for a quick fix—easy peasy! Enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again!
Imprimer
Cheesy Baked Penne: 5 Secrets to a Comforting Classic
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cheesy baked penne is a comforting classic that combines pasta, cheese, and a rich sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add ground meat or vegetables for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: cheesy baked penne, comforting classic, pasta, baked pasta
