Best 7 Easy Baked Penne Recipes

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Welcome to a culinary journey where flavors dance and textures harmonize. Baked penne pasta is an Italian-inspired dish that promises a delightful experience with every bite. This classic casserole combines the comforting flavors of pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Our collection of easy-to-follow baked penne recipes offers a variety of options to suit every taste and dietary preference. From classic baked penne with a hearty meat sauce to a lighter vegetarian version bursting with fresh vegetables, each recipe is a culinary masterpiece waiting to be discovered. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delightful journey into the world of baked penne pasta.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BAKED PENNE WITH THREE CHEESES



Baked Penne with Three Cheeses image

I don't believe in serving kids macaroni and cheese every day. It should be treated as an indulgence, because that's what it is. This is my version of the classic macaroni and cheese Xea's grandmother makes. Older kids can easily make this by themselves. Add a big green salad and they can have dinner ready before you get home from work!

Provided by Antonia Lofaso

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
1 pound penne rigate pasta
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Prepare the penne rigate according to the package directions, minus 1 or 2 minutes of cooking time (see Cook's Note). Drain, then pour the pasta into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan.
  • In a 4-quart saucepan, melt the butter on medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until it's dissolved. Add the cream to the saucepan. Add the nutmeg, seasoned salt, and black pepper and whisk the mixture until it's warmed through.
  • Reduce the heat to low, and add the mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
  • Pour the sauce over the pasta and top with the breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top turns a golden brown.

BAKED PENNE



Baked Penne image

If you can boil water, then you can make this easy Baked Penne! It's a simple vegetarian casserole with layers of pasta, sauce and three different cheeses.

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

16 oz box penne pasta
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
2 eggs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water just until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Stir in marinara sauce and toss to coat.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, eggs and Parmesan cheese. Add basil, salt, garlic powder and pepper; stir to combine.
  • Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Spoon the remaining pasta over the ricotta. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes (or until hot and bubbly).

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8 of the casserole, Calories 415.9 kcal, Carbohydrate 51.8 g, Protein 22.3 g, Fat 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Cholesterol 77.8 mg, Sodium 730.6 mg, Fiber 3.9 g, Sugar 5.8 g, UnsaturatedFat 3.4 g

EASY DOUBLE CHEESE BAKED PENNE



Easy Double Cheese Baked Penne image

This easy penne pasta bake is a freezer-friendly comfort food you can make ahead and enjoy later. Surprise the people you love with a cheesy penne pasta bake that will taste just as good in a couple of months as it does tonight. With plenty of hearty beef, gooey cheese and bubbly pasta sauce, it's one of those satisfying, borderline-magical 13x9-inch meals that never seems to end!

Provided by Pillsbury Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups (8 oz) penne pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (24 oz) chunky vegetable pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend (8 oz)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in cooked pasta, salt, pepper and pasta sauce.
  • In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Spoon half of pasta mixture (about 3 1/2 cups) into bottom of baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 1/4 cups cheese.
  • Spray piece of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
  • To Make Ahead: Wrap foil-covered casserole in double layer of plastic wrap; label and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw and bake: Thaw overnight or until completely thawed in refrigerator. Remove plastic. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted. To bake from freezer (no thawing): Heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic. Bake 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 840 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 1/2 g

BAKED PENNE WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES



Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 red peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch wide strips
2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 summer squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cremini mushrooms, halved
1 yellow onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb mix or herbs de Provence
1 pound penne pasta
3 cups marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
1 cup grated fontina cheese
1/2 cup grated smoked mozzarella
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/3 cup for topping
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • On a baking sheet, toss the peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onions with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and dried herbs. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. Since you will be cooking the pasta a second time in the oven, you want to make sure the inside is still hard. Drain in a colander.
  • In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, cheeses, peas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are combined.
  • Pour the pasta into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Top with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan and butter pieces. Bake until top is golden and cheese melts, about 25 minutes.

BAKED PENNE



Baked Penne image

This version of the Italian-inspired classic dish combines ground beef, peppers, and sauteed onions, baked with penne and PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme, and topped with Mozzarella cheese.

Provided by Philadelphia

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

½ pound extra lean ground beef
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped green peppers
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (10 ounce) tub PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme, divided
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
3 cups hot cooked penne pasta

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Brown meat with vegetables in large nonstick skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce, 3/4 cup cooking creme and 1/2 cup mozzarella: cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted. Add pasta; mix lightly.
  • Spoon into 2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cooking creme and mozzarella. Cover.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 15 min.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397.2 calories, Carbohydrate 38.8 g, Cholesterol 64.2 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 922 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

EASY PENNE PASTA BAKE



Easy Penne Pasta Bake image

Make and share this Easy Penne Pasta Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CookinMamaof3

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

16 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, chopped
28 ounces canned tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Prepare penne in boiling, salted water as directed on package. Drain and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 9 x 13 casserole.
  • Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic and saute until tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and oregano and cook until heated through.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine penne, sauce and 1 cup mozzarella; mix well.
  • Pour into greased casserole and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 454.6, Fat 14.6, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 29.5, Sodium 406.5, Carbohydrate 68.3, Fiber 9.9, Sugar 4.6, Protein 15.2

EASY BAKED PENNE



Easy Baked Penne image

I'm a college student living in dorms with very little in the way of money, good cooking equipment, or access to ingredients. Almost everything in this recipe can be substituted for something else. This (and everything else I'll be posting) is really for my own reference and if it helps out other hungry college kids, great. This can be a little salty, but I've found that the other college students I cook for enjoy that. It's a good alternative to ramen and dining hall food, since our dorms have ovens and stove tops. I usually add some fresh hot peppers to this, since I like my food spicy. This recipe isn't likely to be your favorite if you live at home, but for someone on the go or in my situation, it's great because it makes fantastic leftovers.

Provided by handsandfeet

Categories     Penne

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb penne pasta
1 1/2 lbs ground hot Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 (24 ounce) jars tomato sauce (any variety)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces Italian cheese blend

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Cook pasta to slightly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • While water is boiling and pasta is cooking, cook sausage in a skillet until slightly browned and drain off some of the liquid if desired.
  • Add onion and pepper to the pan to soften.
  • After draining pasta, put it back in the pot and add one jar of tomato sauce each to both the pasta pot and the skillet.
  • To a 13x9 baking dish (college students, if you don't have a baking dish at school, you can buy the disposable foil ones at many campus convenience stores) add a layer of the meat mixture, then a layer of pasta, then a layer of the cheeses mixed together.
  • Repeat this until you've used up your ingredients, making the top layer a cheese layer. Make sure the top is totally covered with cheese (if you don't use all the grated cheese, that's fine. I just like a lot of cheese.).
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 859, Fat 41.6, SaturatedFat 16.1, Cholesterol 94.6, Sodium 2807.8, Carbohydrate 85.3, Fiber 12.5, Sugar 12.4, Protein 39.1

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • To make the dish more colorful, add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or oregano.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • To make the dish ahead of time, cook the penne and sausage according to the package directions. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the penne and sausage in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and cheese, and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Conclusion:

This easy baked penne recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner. With its rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, tender penne noodles, and flavorful sausage, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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