Best 2 Four Cheese Baked Penne Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Four Cheese Baked Penne, a culinary masterpiece that combines the creamy richness of four distinct cheeses with the hearty comfort of penne pasta. This delectable dish is a true celebration of Italian cuisine, featuring a velvety sauce made from a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, harmoniously balanced and baked to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful burst of cheesy goodness, complemented by the tender texture of the penne and the aromatic touch of herbs and spices. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible baked penne, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more.

In addition to the classic four-cheese baked penne, our article also offers a tantalizing array of variations to suit every palate. Discover the vibrant flavors of our sun-dried tomato and pesto baked penne, where juicy sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant pesto add a delightful twist to the creamy cheese sauce. For a touch of heat, try our spicy sausage and pepper baked penne, where spicy Italian sausage and colorful bell peppers bring a sizzling kick to the dish. And for a vegetarian delight, our roasted vegetable and goat cheese baked penne features an assortment of roasted vegetables and tangy goat cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FOUR-CHEESE BAKED PENNE



Four-Cheese Baked Penne image

This cheesy pasta dish is comforting, hearty, delicious and-surprise!-meatless. Filling whole grains, low-fat protein and a touch of heat make this recipe a keeper! Serve with a salad and crusty bread. -Janet Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups 2% cottage cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook penne according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, rosemary, pepper flakes and pepper. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cool for 15 minutes., Preheat oven to 400°. Drain penne; add to sauce. Stir in cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and all of the ricotta. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella., Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 682mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 11g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

FOUR CHEESE BAKED PENNE



Four Cheese Baked Penne image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings, serving size 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound whole-wheat penne
1 1/2 cups small-curd low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium crushed tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (3/4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and parsley in a bowl and stir with a fork to incorporate and set aside. Cook pasta until tender but still firm, a minute or 2 less than the package directs. Drain.
  • Heat the oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, rosemary, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return pasta to pot with sauce and turn off heat. Add cottage cheese mixture.
  • Spray a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray then transfer pasta mixture to pan. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and the parmesan. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 30 minutes.
  • Excellent source of: Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium
  • Good source of: Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Penne is a classic choice for baked pasta dishes, but you can use any short pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rigatoni.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente, according to the package directions. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when baked.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. The four cheeses in this recipe are sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. You can use any combination of cheeses that you like, but make sure to use a good melting cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
  • Add some vegetables. For a more nutritious dish, add some chopped vegetables to the pasta, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
  • Season the dish well. Don't be afraid to add some salt and pepper to the dish. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
  • Bake the pasta until it's bubbly and golden brown. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta so that it doesn't overcook.

Conclusion:

Four-cheese baked penne is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that the whole family will love. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with a creamy sauce made with four different types of cheese. The dish is then baked until it is bubbly and golden brown. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or family gathering.

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