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Easy Baked Penne Pasta

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This Baked Penne Pasta is an easy, hearty dish with tender penne pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions.
  2. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Penne

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese.
  3. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
  4. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  2. Let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  • Extra Cheesy? Add more mozzarella on top before baking!