Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheesy baked penne! This dish is like a warm hug on a cold day—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of melting cheese and savory marinara. We gathered around the table, and as soon as we took that first bite, it was pure bliss. Everyone’s eyes lit up, and there were smiles all around! It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, making even the busiest days feel special. Trust me, once you try this comforting classic, you’ll want to make it a regular feature in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner!
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
Gather these simple ingredients to create a deliciously cheesy baked penne that your family will love:
- 2 cups penne pasta: Uncooked, this is the perfect shape to hold onto all that gooey cheese and sauce.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s the heart of this dish!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy delight adds a wonderful texture and richness.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: The more, the merrier! This will melt beautifully on top.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: For that extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle it generously on top.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the flavors—don’t skip this!
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Pepper to taste: Just a pinch adds a nice kick!
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making a comforting classic that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
Preparing cheesy baked penne is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust on top!
- Cook the penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold up in the oven!
- Mix it all together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed—this is where all the flavors come together!
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will do. Spread it out evenly for even baking.
- Add the cheesy toppings: Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. I always add a little extra mozzarella because who can resist more cheese?
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like heaven!
- Cool and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This allows the cheese to set just a little, making serving easier!
And there you have it—a comforting classic that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this cheesy baked penne. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This comforting classic packs a satisfying punch of flavor while still being a balanced meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- A true comfort food that warms your soul with every cheesy bite.
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies or swap in different cheeses for a fun twist.
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- Sure to be a family favorite, pleasing both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your cheesy baked penne turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t overcook the penne; aim for al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. If you want to add some veggies, throw in some spinach or roasted bell peppers—just make sure they’re cooked before mixing them in. It’s also fun to experiment with different cheeses; try adding gouda or cheddar for a unique twist!
When it comes to serving, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. And here’s a little secret: let your baked penne sit for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set up nicely and makes for easier slicing. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Variations on Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your cheesy baked penne! Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a burst of flavor and nutrition. You can also switch up the herbs—basil or oregano can add a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Feeling indulgent? Swap half of the ricotta for mascarpone for an even creamier texture. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative with this comforting classic!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cheesy Baked Penne a Comforting Classic
Storing leftovers of this cheesy baked penne is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop it in for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you prefer the microwave, just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy that comforting classic all over again!
Share Your Experience!
I’d love to hear how your cheesy baked penne turned out! Did you add any special ingredients or make it your own? Please share your stories and any tips you discovered along the way in the comments below. Let’s create a community of cheesy pasta lovers together!
For more information on the health benefits of pasta, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the history of pasta, visit this Pasta Fits resource.
Print
Cheesy Baked Penne: 5 Steps to a Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy baked penne is a comforting classic that combines pasta with rich cheese and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Try adding vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy baked penne, pasta, comfort food
