![To make Cheesy Baked Penne, gather these tasty ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that warms your heart. You can switch things up a bit if you want. Here are some fun ideas: - Vegetables: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie boost. - Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage for a heartier meal. - Cheese: Try adding different cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for unique flavors. These variations keep the dish fresh and exciting. Sometimes you might not have every item at home. Here are some smart swaps: - Pasta: Use any other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti if you run out of penne. - Marinara Sauce: If you don’t have marinara, any tomato-based sauce works well. - Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese can replace ricotta if you need a lighter option. These substitutions maintain the dish's flavor while making it easier to prepare. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This warms up the oven for baking. Next, cook 12 oz of penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package's cooking time until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything until it is well blended. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with sauce. This step ensures every bite is flavorful. Grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Then, add the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking. Bake for 20 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. To make your dish look great, garnish it with fresh basil leaves before serving. This adds color and a fresh taste. Serve the cheesy baked penne in bowls or on plates, making sure to scoop out some of the melted cheese. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends! For more details, check the Full Recipe. When making Cheesy Baked Penne, watch out for these common mistakes. First, don’t overcook the pasta. You want it al dente, so it holds up in the oven. Second, be careful not to skimp on the sauce. A dry dish is not what you want. Lastly, avoid crowding the pan. If you pack it too tight, the heat can’t circulate well. To achieve a creamy texture, mix the ricotta with the marinara sauce well. This step ensures the cheese blends evenly. Use full-fat cheese for best results. Low-fat options may not give that rich taste. Adding a splash of pasta water can also help. It adds moisture without making the dish too watery. You can easily adjust spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip them altogether. Fresh herbs can brighten flavors too. Use more dried basil or oregano if you love their taste. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian twist on Cheesy Baked Penne, you can add veggies. Zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms work great. You can also use roasted bell peppers for a sweet flavor. Just sauté them before mixing them with the pasta. This adds color and nutrition. If you want to add meat, ground beef or sausage is a good choice. Cook it first before adding it to your sauce mix. For seafood lovers, shrimp or crab can elevate your dish. Just make sure to cook the seafood quickly to keep it tender. Both options add a hearty flavor to the dish. For a gluten-free version, swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great gluten-free options. Make sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary. You can also use zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. They add freshness and taste without the carbs. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After you enjoy your Cheesy Baked Penne, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. It’s best to eat the leftovers within three to four days. Label the container with the date to keep track. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, cover it with aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze Cheesy Baked Penne for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your Cheesy Baked Penne, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven, covered with foil. This keeps the cheese from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. If you want to make it extra cheesy, add a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. The goal is to have a warm and gooey meal, just like when it was fresh. Yes, you can make Cheesy Baked Penne ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, bake it directly from the fridge. This saves time on busy days. You can serve Cheesy Baked Penne with a fresh green salad. A side of garlic bread pairs nicely too. For a heartier meal, add roasted veggies or grilled chicken. Each option balances the rich flavors of the pasta. Cheesy Baked Penne will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne and provided step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for making perfect textures and avoiding common mistakes. We explored variations, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lastly, I included storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a delicious meal any day. Embrace these ideas and get creative in your kitchen!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7017db60-90f3-4556-9034-ab501efea111-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Baked Penne
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Penne Delight! Bursting with flavors, this easy recipe combines creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and a cheesy topping that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it's simple to prepare and absolutely delicious. Ready to impress your loved ones? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a cozy meal everyone will love!