Baked Penne – Easy Dinner Recipe

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne Recipe
• What Makes This the Best Dinner Recipe?
• The Secret to a Perfectly Cheesy Pasta Bake
• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
• Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This baked penne is a cheesy, comforting dinner recipe that’s perfect for weeknights. Made with hearty marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make ahead and great for leftovers, this dish is a go-to for busy families.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne Recipe

There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy pasta bake on a chilly evening! This baked penne recipe from Patricia Universe is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week, this dish is a must-try.

What Makes This the Best Dinner Recipe?

If you’re looking for the best dinner recipes, this baked penne stands out for its rich flavor and ease of preparation. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a perfectly seasoned marinara sauce makes every bite irresistible. Plus, the golden, bubbly cheese on top adds the finishing touch to this dish.

The Secret to a Perfectly Cheesy Pasta Bake

The key to getting the best cheesy pasta bake lies in layering the ingredients correctly. Start with a base of cooked penne mixed with marinara sauce and seasoned beef, then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers for an extra gooey, flavorful dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the best things about this baked penne recipe is that it makes fantastic leftovers. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Pair this delicious baked penne with a crisp green salad and a slice of warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’re looking to add more variety, roasted vegetables or a simple side of steamed broccoli make great additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta bake in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini for a fun twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat substitutes.

Notes & Tips

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. If you prefer a creamier pasta bake, mix in a spoonful of ricotta cheese before layering the ingredients.

Baked Penne – Easy Dinner Recipe

A comforting and cheesy baked penne dish with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, dinner recipes, easy recipes, easy recipes ninja creami, recipes for dinner

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce and mix well.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or a mix of Italian cheeses. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.