Best 5 Four Cheese Mini Penne Bake Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary delight with our Four-Cheese Mini Penne Bake, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features tender mini penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, four-cheese sauce made from a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creating a rich and creamy texture. Baked to perfection, the pasta casserole is topped with a golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying crunch. Our recipe collection includes variations of this classic dish, such as the Spinach and Artichoke Mini Penne Bake, where spinach and artichoke hearts add a pop of color and flavor. For meat lovers, the Sausage and Pepper Mini Penne Bake incorporates savory sausage and colorful bell peppers, while the Chicken and Broccoli Mini Penne Bake offers a healthy twist with tender chicken and broccoli florets. Spice enthusiasts will delight in the Spicy Mini Penne Bake, which adds a touch of heat with jalapeños and cayenne pepper. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving suggestions to ensure a successful and enjoyable culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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.

PENNE WITH FIVE CHEESES



Penne with Five Cheeses image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup crushed tomatoes in thick tomato puree
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded imported Italian fontina (1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup crumbled Italian Gorgonzola (1 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1/4 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 pound imported penne rigate pasta
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
  • Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil in a stockpot.
  • Combine all the ingredients except the penne and butter in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
  • Drop the penne into the boiling water and parboil for 4 minutes. Drain well in a colander and add to the ingredients in the mixing bowl, tossing to combine.
  • Divide the pasta mixture among 6 shallow ceramic gratin dishes (1 1/2 to 2-cup capacity). Dot with the butter and bake until bubbly and brown on top, 7 to 10 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

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.

Tips:

  • Selecting quality ingredients is essential. Use fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, and opt for high-quality cheese and pasta. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Taste your sauce as you cook it and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or herbs can enhance the flavor profile.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the pasta. This will prevent the pasta from cooking evenly and becoming mushy.
  • Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to create a creamy and flavorful consistency.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta, which is slightly firm to the bite, holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
  • Use a variety of cheeses to create a complex and flavorful sauce. A combination of hard, soft, and creamy cheeses provides a rich and satisfying taste experience.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Adding vegetables, herbs, or even a touch of spice can create unique and delicious variations of the classic four-cheese sauce.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these four-cheese mini penne bake recipes offer a delectable and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various preferences and occasions. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and optional additions like vegetables, herbs, and spices, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, preparing a comforting family meal, or simply craving a cheesy pasta indulgence, these recipes provide a delicious and gratifying experience.

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