Get dinner on the table quick with this Easy Baked Penne. Penne with spaghetti sauce topped with creamy ricotta and freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
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This super easy baked penne may seem a little basic at first glance but under that layer of mozzarella is another layer of creamy, cheesy ricotta. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Love saucy pasta topped with copious amounts of cheese? What about a dinner that literally takes minutes to put together? This pasta is all those things and more.
Sometimes you just need a big plate of comfort food and this is it.
The Best Family Friendly Recipe
I love this baked cheesy pasta for a lot of reasons. First, everyone will love it. I mean, who doesn’t like a cheesy spaghetti?
Because this recipe utilizes jarred spaghetti sauce, it’s super simple. You can literally have it ready in minutes.
You can make this one ahead of time, place it in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready to eat. So that means it’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
It’s meatless but you can totally customize it and add meat if you wish. You can brown ground beef or Italian sausage to add to the sauce. You could also add in frozen meatballs.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Penne
Here’s what you need for this simple dish:
Pasta Hack for Baked Pasta Recipes
Here’s an important pasta hack to know when you ar emaking a baked pasta recipe.
Since the past will be baked in the oven, make sure to boil your pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions. This will ensure your pasta doesn’t get mushy.
How to Make Easy Baked Penne
Once the pasta is cooked, add to a 13×9 baking dish and pour over your favorite spaghetti sauce. Toss well and set aside.
In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg and Italian seasoning. Spread over the pasta. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, parmesan and more Italian seasoning.
It only needs to bake for about 15 minutes to get the sauce and ricotta warmed through and the cheese all melty. If you like it a little browned, turn on the broiler and watch it carefully until golden.
Keep reading for ideas on what to serve with this baked penna pasta with cheese.
What to Serve with Baked Penne Pasta:
Easy Baked Penne
Ingredients
- 16 oz. box penne pasta
- 1 jar (24-33 oz.) spaghetti sauce
- 15. oz. ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions. Meanwhile, mix ricotta, egg and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
- Drain pasta and dump in a 13×9 pan. Mix in sauce. Spread ricotta mixture over the pasta then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, parmesan and 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil for a minute or two, until golden. Keep a close eye so it doesn't burn.
