How to Cook Baked Penne (Step-by-Step)

Updated
2 min read

Baked penne –Welcome to the world of culinary mishaps and delicious victories! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful land of Baked Penne. It’s cheesy, it’s pasta, and it’s likely to lead to a face-full of melted goodness. So grab your apron, and let’s get this cheesy adventure started!

Baked Penne – A Cheesy Delight

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering aimlessly in the pasta aisle, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, staring longingly at the packages of penne, spirals, and those weird-shaped noodles that look like they were made in an art class. But today, we’re focusing on the noble penne—perfect for baking and cheese overload!

Baked Penne

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (for fancy vibes)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that oven nice and cozy—like a warm hug!
  2. Boil the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, but leave the drama at the door.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Yes, you can taste it—just don’t blame me if you try to eat it all!”
  4. Add the cooked penne to the cheesy marinara mix and give it a gentle toss, like you’re trying to impress someone with your culinary skills.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling wild, a few extra sprinkles of Italian seasoning wouldn’t hurt.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes to let all those flavors mingle. Peek inside to admire your masterpiece every now and then!
  7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s like watching a cheese romance unfold.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait) and garnish with fresh basil. Now it’s all dressed up and ready to impress!

So there you have it—a baked penne that’s sure to satisfy your cheese cravings and warm your soul! Serve it with a side salad and maybe a glass of your favorite beverage, and voilà—you’re officially a culinary genius!