Irresistible Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella Bliss
This Irresistible Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta With Mozzarella Recipe combines al dente pasta, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella in a comforting dish.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Equipment
- Oven
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta Choose whole grain for added fiber.
For the Sauce
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Opt for homemade for the best taste.
For the Cheeses
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Select high-quality for optimal results.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated for a crispy crust.
For Optional Protein
- 1 cup Cooked Sausage or Ground Beef Italian sausage works wonderfully.
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chop before sprinkling on top.
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Drizzle before baking for a rich finish.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully bubbly top.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and add the penne pasta. Cook until it’s al dente, around 8 minutes, then drain well.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your marinara sauce. Feel free to add in any optional cooked meat to amp up the flavor.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, making sure the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the pasta mixture.
- Transfer to Dish: Spoon the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, drizzle with olive oil, and pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden brown top!
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, optionally garnish with fresh basil for a bright finish and serve hot.
Notes
Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card.