Best 8 Penne And Cheese Gratin Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors and textures presented by penne and cheese gratin, a dish that embodies culinary excellence. This classic casserole harmoniously blends tender penne pasta, a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce, and a golden-brown, crispy breadcrumb topping. As the cheese sauce envelops the cooked penne, each bite becomes a delightful dance of creamy richness and al dente pasta. The addition of herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, lend an aromatic depth that complements the savory cheese and pasta. The dish reaches its zenith when crowned with a layer of panko breadcrumbs, which, when baked to perfection, creates an irresistible crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling. This penne and cheese gratin is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece, sure to impress at any gathering.

In addition to the classic penne and cheese gratin, this article offers a diverse collection of variations that cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the zucchini and cheese gratin presents a medley of sautéed zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. The zucchini adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese. For those with a penchant for bold flavors, the spicy penne and cheese gratin incorporates a piquant blend of chili peppers, paprika, and cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce, resulting in a dish that ignites the palate with every bite.

For those seeking a gluten-free alternative, the article features a special recipe for penne and cheese gratin made with gluten-free penne pasta. This variation ensures that individuals with gluten sensitivities can savor the joys of this classic dish without compromising on taste or texture. And for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert section offers a tempting recipe for apple and cheese gratin, a unique and delectable combination of apples, cinnamon, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden brown.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED PENNE WITH SQUASH AND GOAT CHEESE



Baked Penne with Squash and Goat Cheese image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 shallots, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for the pasta water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
8 ounces goat cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
One 10-ounce delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeds discarded and sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
1 pound penne rigate pasta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 pound broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces

Steps:

  • For the topping: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Mix together the panko, olive oil and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • For the pasta: Heat a large ovenproof braiser over medium heat. Melt the butter in the braiser and add the shallots, pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until the shallots begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and stir to cook out some of the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes. Slowly begin to add the milk, adding a small amount at a time and whisking after each addition, until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the goat cheese, 1 cup mozzarella and the squash. Season with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season well with salt. Cook the pasta for about 6 minutes (it should still be very firm). Using a pasta spider, remove the pasta directly to the sauce but do not yet stir it in. Sprinkle the plain pasta with the Parmesan and stir to combine. Add the broccoli rabe to the pasta water and cook for 30 seconds. Use the pasta spider to drain well, then add to the pasta. Stir to evenly distribute. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and the panko mixture. Bake until bubbly all over, 20 to 25 minutes. Switch to the broiler and broil for 5 minutes to brown the top, if desired.

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.

SAUSAGE AND MUSHROOM PENNE GRATIN



Sausage and Mushroom Penne Gratin image

Provided by Lillian Chou

Categories     Milk/Cream     Cheese     Mushroom     Pasta     Bake     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Mozzarella     Meat     Sausage     Potluck     Gourmet     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound dried penne
1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound packaged sliced mushrooms
1 garlic clove, forced through a garlic press
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
8 ounces shredded whole-milk mozzarella, divided

Steps:

  • Cook penne in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta and transfer to a flameproof 3-quart baking dish.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Meanwhile, cook sausage in 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large pieces, until no longer pink. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl, leaving fat in skillet.
  • Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet along with mushrooms and garlic, then cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden, about 3 minutes.
  • Return sausage to skillet along with cream, reserved 1/2 cup cooking water, a rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and boil over high heat, stirring once or twice, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Pour over pasta, then stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and salt to taste. Spread evenly in baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
  • Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat until golden brown in spots, about 5 minutes.

PENNE AU GRATIN



Penne au Gratin image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 ounces penne pasta (2 1/4 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
4 1/2 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 cup)
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large tomato, (8 ounces), halved, seeded, and the flesh cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 1/4 cups)
1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a boil in a pot. Add the penne, bring the water back to a boil, and boil the pasta over medium heat, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. (The pasta should be al dente, firm to the bite.) Drain the penne in a colander and rinse it under cold tap water until cool, and set aside.
  • Heat the butter and oil in a saucepan, and add the flour. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 seconds, then add the milk, stir it in quickly with a whisk so the mixture doesn't scorch. Bring the mixture to a boil, and boil it for 10 seconds. Add the cheddar cheese, salt and pepper, mix well, then cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
  • When ready to finish the gratin, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Mix the pasta with the cheddar sauce, and transfer the mixture to a 6-cup gratin dish. Sprinkle the tomato on top of the pasta and sauce. Combine the Parmesan and paprika in a small bowl, and sprinkle the mixture on the pasta. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, until the gratin is bubbly and nicely browned on top. Serve immediately.
  • Note: If making the gratin at the last moment, and assembling it while the sauce and pasta are both hot, do not bake the gratin. Instead, place it under a hot broiler until golden brown on top.

PEPIN'S PENNE, HAM AND VEGETABLE GRATIN



Pepin's Penne, Ham and Vegetable Gratin image

I have fallen in love with Jacques Pepin. His recipes, whether complicated or incredibly simple, like this one, always turn out perfect. I've tweaked it a little (forgive me, Jacques) to satisfy my teenager, who has requested this for her "birthday dinner." It's easy, inexpensive, and very satisfying. A real comfort food for us

Provided by SheCooksToConquer

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 23m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 3/4 cups penne (about 5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups diced ham (honey ham is delicious in this)
3/4 cup corn (about one ear, frozen works just fine)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups zucchini, 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup grated cheese (we prefer Gruyere, but any you like will work)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Boil about 2 quarts of water. Add penne and cook about 12 minutes until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and cool under cold water.
  • Put cooked penne into a large bowl and stir in the ham, corn, peas, zucchini and cheese.
  • Make the White Sauce:.
  • Melt butter in saucepan, add the flour, and whisk it together until smooth.
  • Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring a bit. The sauce should thicken.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream. Let it cool until lukewarm.
  • Heat the broiler. Add the sauce to the penne and vegetables, and place in a shallow baking dish that can hold about 6 cups.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Broil about 4 inches from the heat until the top is lightly browned (about 6 to 8 minutes).
  • Serve immediately.
  • NOTE: Pepin says you can make this ahead of time up to adding the Parmesan. It will keep, covered, at room temperature for a few hours, or up to a day in the fridge before finishing in the oven, so it's a great make-ahead dish. If refrigerated, just bring it back to room temp and bake at 425 for about 30 minutes.
  • SECOND NOTE: Don't let this sit in the oven after it's finished or it will become gooey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 622.4, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 18.2, Cholesterol 116.2, Sodium 1142.2, Carbohydrate 59.5, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 2.8, Protein 27.9

PENNE AND VEGETABLE GRATIN



Penne and Vegetable Gratin image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Tomato     Side     Bake     Vegetarian     Casserole/Gratin     Basil     Zucchini     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 4 as main course or 6 as a side dish

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 pound penne or other tubular pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
3/4 pound vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 1 1/3 cups)
1 cup coarsely grated chilled Fontina cheese (preferably Italian, about 1/4 pound)
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped
1/3 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped
For sauce
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced (about 3 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
For topping
1/2 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • In a 4-quart kettle bring 3 quarts salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. (Pasta will cook more when baked.) Drain pasta in a colander and rinse well under cold water. Drain pasta well and in a 2- to 2 1/2-quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish toss pasta with zucchini, tomatoes, Fontina, and herbs.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Make sauce:
  • In a large heavy saucepan cook garlic and red pepper flakes in butter over moderately low heat, stirring, 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and salt to taste and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until mushrooms are tender and give off their liquid. Add flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add tomato paste, milk, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil, whisking. Simmer sauce, whisking, 30 seconds.
  • Pour sauce evenly over pasta mixture and shake gratin dish gently to coat pasta mixture with sauce.
  • Make topping:
  • In a small bowl with a fork stir together bread crumbs and oil until crumbs are evenly moistened.
  • Sprinkle topping over pasta mixture and bake in middle of oven 30 minutes. Cool gratin 10 minutes before serving.

PENNE AND CHEESE GRATIN



Penne and Cheese Gratin image

Make and share this Penne and Cheese Gratin recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Jillian L

Categories     Penne

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
salt
1 1/4 cups half-and-half
1 cup shredded havarti cheese
1 cup shredded colby cheese
1/2 cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
3 tablespoons Italian style breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Follow the package directions to cook the penne pasta; add the broccoli to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking time; drain.
  • In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  • Add flour and salt to taste (I use 1/2 teaspoon).
  • Cook, while stirring until blended.
  • Slowly add half-and-half, stirring constantly; cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens; remove from heat.
  • Add the cheeses; stir until melted.
  • Add the penne and broccoli; stir to mix well.
  • Spoon mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square casserole dish.
  • In a bowl, mix together the topping ingredients; sprinkle over the casserole.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 594.3, Fat 29, SaturatedFat 17.2, Cholesterol 81.1, Sodium 488.7, Carbohydrate 65, Fiber 9.8, Sugar 1.7, Protein 21.7

GRATIN OF PENNE AND VEGETABLES



Gratin Of Penne And Vegetables image

Provided by Jacques Pepin

Categories     lunch, casseroles, one pot, pastas, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield Six servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 quarts, plus 1/3 cup, water
1/2 pound penne, macaroni or bow-tie pasta
1 pound broccoli flowerets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
8 ounces mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red pepper (8 ounces), seeded and diced (1 cup)
1/2 cup walnut pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 ounces spinach -- damaged or wilted leaves and stems removed -- washed
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (see step 2.)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring the 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and add the penne. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, until just tender, and drain. Rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking if you don't intend to assemble the dish immediately.
  • Bring 1/3 cup of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the broccoli pieces, cover, return to the boil and cook for 3 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated. Add the mushrooms, red pepper, walnuts and olive oil and mix well. Add the spinach, still wet from washing, cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until it is wilted. (At this point, the vegetables can be combined with the warm pasta, seasoned with salt and pepper and served with a little grated Parmesan cheese as a side dish.) For the gratin, set the vegetables aside while you make the sauce.
  • For the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour, mixing it in well with a whisk. Stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring with a whisk (especially around the edges where it might have a tendency to burn) until lightly thickened. Add the cream and salt and pepper, then return to the boil. Set aside.
  • When ready to serve, mix together the vegetables, pasta and bechamel sauce and stir in the Swiss cheese. Spread the mixture into a 10-to-12-cup gratin dish. If the ingredients are still hot, place the dish under a hot broiler for 5 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. If some of the ingredients are lukewarm or cool, heat the gratin for about 10 minutes in a 400-degree oven until bubbling hot, then brown for 5 minutes under the broiler. If the mixture is cool throughout, place the gratin in a 400-degree oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, then place under the broiler for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 549, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 823 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.
  • Grate the cheese yourself for a smoother sauce.
  • If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead.
  • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  • Cook the pasta al dente so that it still has a bit of a bite to it.
  • Don't overcook the pasta or it will become mushy.
  • Top the pasta with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy topping.
  • Serve the pasta immediately while it's hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Penne and cheese gratin is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese, and it can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

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