The Best Baked Penne Pasta Recipe
If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food dinner, this baked penne pasta recipe delivers every time. Tender penne pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, plenty of mozzarella, and parmesan before being baked until bubbly and golden brown.
It's easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, and Sunday family dinners.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Extra cheesy and creamy
Easy make-ahead dinner
Feeds a crowd
Freezer-friendly
Classic Italian comfort food
Ready in about one hour
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Meat Sauce
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Filling
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
Cook penne until just al dente according to package directions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 3
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with onions over medium heat.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook for one minute.
Step 4
Stir in:
marinara
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt
pepper
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5
In another bowl combine:
ricotta
egg
parsley
Parmesan
1 cup mozzarella
Mix well.
Step 6
Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
Spread half into the baking dish.
Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
Top with remaining pasta.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over everything.
Step 7
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
For a golden cheese topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Tips
Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn't become mushy.
Freshly shred mozzarella for the best melt.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey.
Variations
Three Cheese Baked Penne
Add provolone and fontina.
Chicken Baked Penne
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
Spicy Penne Bake
Add hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.
Vegetable Penne Bake
Mix in mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
What to Serve With Baked Penne
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted broccoli
Italian salad
Garlic green beans
Bruschetta
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked penne ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze baked penne?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking.
What's the difference between baked penne and baked ziti?
Both are similar casseroles. The biggest difference is the pasta shape—penne has angled ends and ridges that hold onto the sauce better, while ziti is smooth and straight-cut.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese works well and provides a similar creamy texture.
More Cozy Pasta Recipes You'll Love
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Beef Stuffed Shells
Easy Lasagna Recipe
Recipe Yield: 8 servings