Irresistible 5-Cheese Baked Penne Pasta You Need Tonight

You know those nights when you just need something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting? That’s exactly when my cheesy baked penne pasta comes to the rescue. I first made this dish for a chaotic family potluck years ago, and now it’s my go-to for everything from busy weeknights to big gatherings. The way the sauce bubbles up through those little penne tubes, topped with that golden blanket of mozzarella – it’s pure magic in a baking dish.

What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is) is how everyone always comes back for seconds. Kids, picky eaters, even my foodie brother-in-law – nobody can resist that perfect combo of hearty meat sauce and stretchy melted cheese. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

This cheesy baked penne pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s a warm hug in casserole form. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

• One-dish wonder: From stovetop to oven to table—minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy that cheesy goodness.
• Flavor bomb: The meat sauce soaks into every nook of those penne tubes, while the mozzarella gets perfectly golden-brown on top.
• Weeknight hero: Ready in under an hour, even when you’re exhausted after work.
• Customizable: Swap meats, add veggies, or spice it up—this recipe can handle whatever mood strikes you.
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left!).

Seriously, this dish has saved me on more hectic evenings than I can count!

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, cheesy masterpiece (and yes, I’ve learned these measurements by heart from making it so often!):

• 12 oz penne pasta – Those little tubes are perfect for trapping all the saucy goodness
• 1 lb ground beef – Or use Italian sausage regret-free if you want extra flavor
• 1 small onion, diced – My secret? Let it soften in the meat juices for sweetness
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because can we ever really have too much garlic?
• 24 oz marinara sauce – Jarred is fine (no judgement!), but homemade takes it next-level
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes – Optional, but I love the extra texture
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided – Half gets melted inside, half gets gloriously golden on top
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – Optional but recommended for that salty punch

The seasoning blend is where the magic happens – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling spicy, those red pepper flakes. Oh, and don’t forget to salt your pasta water like the sea!

How to Make Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

Okay friends, here’s where the magic happens! Making this cheesy baked penne pasta is easier than remembering your WiFi password – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first – get that oven preheating to 375°F. Now, boil your penne in salted water (tastes like the ocean, remember?) for about 1-2 minutes less than package says. We want it al dente – still has a little bite because it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Trust me, mushy pasta is sad pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef with onions in a big skillet – I like mine with some crispy edges for extra flavor. Drain the grease (but leave just enough to make the garlic happy!), then toss in your minced garlic until it smells amazing – about 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara, tomatoes if using, and all those beautiful seasonings. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes so the flavors can have a little party together.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Now the fun part! Toss your drained penne right into that saucy meat mixture. Spread half into a greased 9×13 dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella (and Parmesan if you’re fancy), then repeat. Top with the remaining cheese – be generous here! Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges. Want those perfect golden spots? Broil for 1-2 minutes but DON’T walk away – cheese goes from golden to charcoal faster than you can say “cheesy baked penne pasta”!

Let it rest 5 minutes before digging in – I know it’s hard, but this helps everything set up perfectly. Then grab your biggest spoon and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for perfection:

Broil with eagle eyes: That last-minute broil makes the cheese glorious, but set a timer! I once answered a phone call and returned to find my beautiful golden top now resembled a lunar landscape.

Sneaky veggie boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the sauce – my kids never notice, and I feel like a kitchen ninja.

Meat swap magic: Ground turkey works great, but for special occasions, Italian sausage makes everyone think you’re a gourmet chef.

Rest is best: Those five minutes of waiting time? Non-negotiable. It lets all those cheesy, saucy flavors settle into absolute perfection.

Variations of Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily it adapts to whatever’s in my fridge! Here are my go-to twists:

Meat lovers: Swap beef for spicy Italian sausage or mix them half-and-half – the fennel seeds add such depth.

Veggie-packed: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach when mixing the sauce.

Cheese dream: Try provolone instead of mozzarella for extra smokiness, or add ricotta dollops between layers.

Lighter option: Ground turkey works beautifully, especially with extra garlic and a pinch of fennel.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

This cheesy baked penne pasta is practically begging for some crispy garlic bread on the side – perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a bright green salad with lemony dressing to cut through all that rich cheesiness. And don’t forget the wine! A simple Chianti makes everything taste like an Italian trattoria night at home.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This cheesy baked penne pasta keeps like a dream! Cool completely before covering tightly – it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water (keeps it from drying out) or warm the whole dish at 350°F until bubbly again. For freezer meals, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pro tip: If freezing, underbake slightly so it doesn’t overcook when you reheat later!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each hearty serving (about 1½ cups): roughly 520 calories, 28g protein, and that glorious cheese pull we all love. Remember – these numbers are estimates and will change if you tweak ingredients. My grandma always said “Good food feeds the soul first!” but hey, it’s nice to know the details too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne’s ridges and tubes hold sauce beautifully, rigatoni or ziti work great too. Just avoid super-delicate shapes that might overcook – this baked pasta casserole needs something sturdy.

How long does leftover baked pasta casserole keep?
Covered tightly, it’s good for 3-4 days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight! For longer storage, freeze portions up to 3 months – perfect for future easy weeknight pasta dinners.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini instead. I sometimes add extra cheese or a layer of ricotta to make up for the missing meat sauce.

Why do you undercook the pasta?
Those extra minutes in the oven finish cooking the penne perfectly. Fully cooked pasta turns mushy during baking – and nobody wants a mushy mozzarella pasta bake!

What’s the best cheese blend?
While mozzarella gives that classic stretch, I sometimes mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor. Just keep some mozzarella in there – it’s essential for that golden-brown top we all love.

Share Your Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

I’d love to see your cheesy baked penne masterpieces! Snap a photo of that golden, bubbly top (we all know the cheese pull shot is mandatory) and tag me or leave a comment below. Did you add a special twist? Spill your secrets – I’m always looking for new ways to make this dish even better!

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