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Irresistible 5-Cheese Baked Penne Pasta You Need Tonight

cheesy baked penne pasta
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A hearty and comforting baked penne pasta dish with a rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne 1–2 minutes under al dente. Drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in marinara (and diced tomatoes if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
  4. Toss drained penne with the meat sauce.
  5. Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
  6. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra golden spots (watch closely).
  7. Rest 5 minutes, then scoop and enjoy.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy baked penne pasta, penne pasta bake, baked pasta casserole, meat sauce pasta bake, mozzarella pasta bake, easy weeknight pasta dinner

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/cheesy-baked-penne-pasta-recipe/