There are some nights when only a big, bubbling, cheesy baked pasta will do. I’m talking about those evenings when you need something hearty, incredibly satisfying, and frankly, pretty effortless to pull together. That’s exactly where this Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner shines. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Forget fussy steps or endless prep; this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, proving that true comfort food can absolutely be a weeknight reality.
Why you’ll love this dish
If your weeknights are anything like mine, they’re a whirlwind of activity, leaving precious little time for elaborate meals. This Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner is designed for exactly those moments. It’s incredibly forgiving, budget-friendly, and delivers a huge payoff in terms of taste with very little stress. Imagine a rich, savory pasta bathed in a luscious sauce, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese, all hot from the oven. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food experience that tastes like you’ve been slaving away all day, but in reality, you’ve probably only spent about 15-20 minutes on active prep before letting the oven do its magic. It’s the perfect solution for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even for meal prepping a few lunches for the week.
> “Seriously, this Cheesy Baked Penne saved my weeknight! So easy to make and the entire family devoured it. The cheese pull was epic!” – A Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
The beauty of this Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner lies in its simplicity. You’ll start by cooking your penne pasta until it’s al dente – remember, it’ll continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overdo it! While the pasta boils, you’ll whip up a quick and flavorful meat sauce, browning your ground meat and simmering it with your favorite marinara. Once your pasta and sauce are ready, it’s all about combining them, layering on the cheese, and letting the oven transform it into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Just three main steps: boil, simmer, and bake. It couldn’t be easier!
What you’ll need
To bring this comforting Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner to life, gather these items:
- Penne Pasta: About 1 pound (450g). Penne is perfect because its ridged shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, but ziti or rigatoni would also work well.
- Ground Meat: 1 pound (450g) of lean ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage. Choose what your family loves best!
- Marinara Sauce: 24-28 ounces (approx. 680-790g) of your favorite jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce. Good quality sauce makes a difference here.
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) part-skim ricotta. This adds a creamy, dreamy layer that is essential for a true baked pasta experience.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 ounces / 225g) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella. For that ultimate cheese pull!
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (about 2 ounces / 56g) freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff!
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This helps bind the ricotta layer.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. For a foundational aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, adds a pop of color and freshness.
Directions to follow
Let’s get this delicious Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner into the oven!
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently bubble while you prepare the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Bake: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. In a large baking dish (9×13 inch or similar), spread about a third of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked penne, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with about a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another third of the meat sauce, the remaining penne, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and another third of the mozzarella. Finish with the remaining meat sauce and generously sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving suggestions
This Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner is a hearty meal all on its own, but you can certainly round it out with a few simple additions. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. Some warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce—trust me, you’ll want to! For a bit of extra freshness, a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving adds a lovely aromatic touch. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over each plate can really elevate the flavors.
How to store & freeze
This baked penne is fantastic for leftovers, assuming there are any!
- Storage: Once completely cooled, transfer any remaining Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat individual portions, use the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to crisp up again. You might add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.
- Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well! Once cooled, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick meals, or freeze the entire baked dish (unbaked or baked) for a future dinner. If freezing the whole dish, make sure to use a freezer-safe baking dish and cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Helpful cooking tips
Achieving perfect Cheesy Baked Penne every time is easy with a few insider tricks:
- Al Dente is Key: Don’t overcook your pasta during the initial boil. Remember, it’s going to continue cooking in the hot oven, so pulling it out when it’s still slightly firm will prevent it from turning mushy.
- Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage – the meat, the sauce, and even the ricotta mixture. This layering of flavor is what makes your dish truly sing.
- Don’t Fear the Fat: If using ground beef, don’t forget to drain off excess fat after browning. This prevents your sauce from becoming greasy.
- Let it Rest: Giving the baked penne 5-10 minutes to rest outside the oven before serving allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to meld. This also makes serving much cleaner, as it won’t fall apart.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoother and have better flavor. If you can, take the extra minute to grate your own.
Creative twists
This Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner is a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity!
- Veggie Boost: Stir in finely diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach when simmering the marinara sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Herbaceous Notes: Beyond parsley, consider adding dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to your meat sauce for more depth. Fresh basil torn over the top before serving is also wonderful.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses! A layer of provolone under the mozzarella can add a nice sharp tang, or a sprinkle of smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Creamier Sauce: For an even richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into your marinara while it simmers.
- Make it Meat-Free: Omit the ground meat and load up the sauce with extra veggies! Eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms work beautifully. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Common questions
How can I make this Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner ahead of time?
This dish is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking stage), cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is excellent, other sturdy pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle (bowties) would work well. Just be sure to cook them al dente initially.
My baked penne came out a bit dry. What went wrong?
There are a few reasons this might happen. The most common is overcooking the pasta initially. Also, ensure your sauce ratio is generous enough – if your marinara is very thick, you might need a little extra. For future attempts, you can always add a splash or two of water or beef broth to your meat sauce if it looks too dry before assembling. When reheating leftovers, a tiny bit of liquid can help too.
Is it safe to freeze ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta, but its texture might change slightly, becoming a bit grainier after thawing. However, when baked into a casserole like this, the change is usually not noticeable. To minimize texture issues, opt for whole milk ricotta and mix it thoroughly with the egg before freezing.
How do I achieve a perfectly golden and bubbly cheese topping?
For that irresistible golden-brown cheese crust, make sure to bake the casserole uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes. If your cheese is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t quite hot enough, you can loosely tent it with foil again, or move the baking dish to a lower rack in your oven. A quick blast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch it carefully!) at the very end can also create a nice, bubbly crust.
Classic Cheesy Baked Penne Dinner
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Large Pot
- Large Bowl
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Meat & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef, pork, or mix (or ground turkey/sausage for variation)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook ground meat until browned, draining excess grease.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute.
Cooking
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for at least 15-20 minutes.
- While sauce simmers, cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine cooked penne with half the meat sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and optional ricotta in a large bowl.
Assembly & Baking
- Spread a thin layer of remaining meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the penne mixture over the sauce, sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella, then top with remaining penne mixture and sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden; broil for an extra golden crust if desired.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.