There’s just something about cheesy baked penne that feels like a warm hug on a plate, don’t you think? This dish is a comforting classic that brings back so many memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. The combination of perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey layers of cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Seriously, every bite is like a little celebration! I often find myself making this dish when I want to treat myself or share a delightful meal with loved ones. Trust me, once you dive into this cheesy goodness, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved favorite!
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne
Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy baked penne masterpiece:
- 12 ounces penne pasta – The star of the show! This shape holds the sauce and cheese perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it adds that rich, tomatoey goodness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – This is where the magic happens! Gooey, melty, and oh-so-delicious.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – For that creamy texture and a little extra richness, ricotta is a must!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this on top adds a lovely salty bite and a beautiful golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because who doesn’t love a little garlic flavor in their life?
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – This herb brings a touch of Italian flair to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust these to your liking for that perfect seasoning!
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Penne
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this cheesy baked penne! I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a comforting classic in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it ensures that your cheesy baked penne cooks evenly and gets that perfect bubbly top. Trust me, the anticipation of that aroma filling your kitchen is half the fun!
Cook the Penne Pasta
Next, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once it’s cooked, don’t forget to drain it well and set it aside. You want it to be just firm enough to hold all that cheesy goodness!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. It’s going to look so creamy and inviting—just wait until you taste it!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, it’s time to transfer that delicious mixture into a baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this amount. Just scoop everything in there and spread it out evenly. It’s like a cozy blanket of pasta waiting to be topped with cheese!
Add Cheese Toppings
Here comes the best part—topping it off! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. Make sure to cover it generously; you want every bite to be cheesy and delicious!
Bake the Dish
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly and golden brown. Oh, the smell will be irresistible!
Cool Before Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let your cheesy baked penne cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit, making it easier to serve and eat. Plus, it’ll be super hot right out of the oven—nobody wants to burn their mouth when they’re about to enjoy something so delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick preparation—you can whip it up in just about 45 minutes from start to finish!
- The comforting flavors of marinara and melted cheese will warm your heart and soul.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore—who can resist cheesy pasta?
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies for a little extra twist.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cheesy baked penne turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Add some protein: For an extra boost of flavor, consider mixing in cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken. It transforms this dish into a heartier meal that’s still super comforting!
- Fresh herbs are your friend: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, chop some up and sprinkle it on just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese: Seriously, the more cheese, the better! Feel free to add extra mozzarella or even experiment with different kinds of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a unique twist.
- Let it rest: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your cheesy baked penne sit for about 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven helps it set up nicely. This way, you’ll have perfect slices instead of a gooey mess!
- Customize the spices: If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce. It gives it an extra layer of flavor that you’ll love!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious cheesy baked penne that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional information can help you enjoy your cheesy baked penne guilt-free! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 18g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: this cheesy baked penne will always be a deliciously satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make cheesy baked penne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need for extra prep time!
What can I add to my cheesy baked penne for extra flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or even sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, sprinkled on top right before serving really elevate the dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze cheesy baked penne?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What should I serve with cheesy baked penne?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish. You could also serve it with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, cheesy baked penne stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for your next meal:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow your cheesy baked penne to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay tasty for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it!
- Freezing: For freezing, let it cool to room temperature, then cut it into portions if you wish. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it so you don’t forget about that cheesy goodness!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that glorious flavor and texture:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cheesy baked penne in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can uncover it for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to get bubbly again—yum!
- Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check and stir if needed, then heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your cheesy baked penne, whether it’s a cozy dinner for one or a tasty lunch on the go!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy truffle pasta or this vegetable pasta dish!
Z nadrukami
Cheesy Baked Penne: 7 Steps to Comforting Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Cheesy baked penne is a comforting classic that combines pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
Składniki
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the pasta mixture.
- Use fresh basil for garnish.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheesy baked penne, comforting classic, baked pasta
