Description

A quick, creamy, and cheesy baked penne pasta that comes together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comfort food dish uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound penne pasta (ridged preferred)
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mince garlic, grate cheeses, and measure sauce and cream.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions until al dente. Drain (do not rinse) and set aside.
In a large bowl or pot, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the parmesan. Mix until smooth.
Add drained pasta to the sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if too dry.
Transfer pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown at the edges.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Grate your own cheese for better melting. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. For leftovers, reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 600
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 3
Protein: 22

Keywords: baked penne, one pan dinner, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta, family dinner