Baked Penne Pasta

Indulge in the comforting embrace of this classic Baked Penne Pasta recipe, a hearty meal that combines tender penne pasta with a rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a perfectly golden layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bursting with flavors from garlic, onion, oregano, and basil, this oven-baked pasta dish is a weeknight dinner hero that’s ready in under an hour. The luscious combination of gooey cheeses and aromatic herbs ensures every bite is a cozy delight. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this crowd-pleasing pasta bake is best served warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this baked pasta masterpiece will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 250 grams ricotta cheese
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Break up any lumps with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce and ricotta cheese, mixing well.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the top evenly.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Let the baked penne pasta cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2436.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4430.1

Total Fat 223.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 705.5mg	0%
Sodium 6088.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 387.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.9g	0%
Total Sugars 48.0g
Protein 239.3g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 3387.8mg	0%
Iron 35.6mg	0%
Potassium 5451.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.5%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 34.3%