Easy Baked Penne Pasta
Easy Baked Penne Pasta is a comforting dish that brings joy to any meal. With layers of tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a delicious and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with marinara sauce, then add half the penne, followed by half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with marinara on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the final layer and add fresh basil if desired.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Customize your dish by adding cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven or microwave.