Easy Baked Penne Pasta
Easy Baked Penne Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece. With perfectly cooked penne enveloped in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked penne with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and chopped basil. Mix well.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 391g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or swapping cheeses for different flavors. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.