Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This delightful Penne Pasta Bake recipe is a culinary masterpiece featuring a rich, meaty, and irresistibly creamy sauce, generously layered with a medley of cheeses. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and wholesome, yet effortless to prepare. More than just a meal, this baked pasta dish is designed to feed a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply ensuring plenty of delicious leftovers for days to come.
Pasta holds a special place in our hearts, and among the vast array of pasta shapes, penne stands out as a personal favorite. Its cylindrical shape and ridged surface are perfectly designed to capture and hold onto every drop of sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every single time. If you share this love for penne, you might also enjoy exploring other fantastic recipes like this Sausage and Peppers Pasta, a hearty Penne with Butternut Squash and Sausage, or the vibrant flavors of Key West Penne. Each offers a unique take on this versatile pasta, promising a delightful meal.
As a food blogger, I sometimes find it a bit amusing, and perhaps a little embarrassing, to admit that my own children aren’t the most adventurous eaters. In fact, you might even call them picky! Navigating meal times can often feel like a culinary negotiation, but as they grow older, we’ve certainly made progress. Despite their selective palates, there are a few consistent hits that always get enthusiastic thumbs-up. Homemade pizza is always a winner, as are juicy meatballs, flavorful tacos, and, perhaps most reliably of all, pasta.
It’s fortunate that I, too, am a big fan of pasta, because it often becomes my reliable go-to for ensuring everyone at the table is happy. And when you think about it, what’s not to love about this particular dish? It brings together all the elements of a truly satisfying meal: a robust, savory meat sauce, tender penne pasta, and an abundance of gloriously melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a casserole dish, the kind of pure comfort food that I’m always thrilled to prepare and serve any day of the week. Its universal appeal makes it a beloved staple in many households, including ours.
Essential Ingredients for Your Penne Pasta Bake
Crafting the perfect Penne Pasta Bake starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich flavors and creamy texture that make this dish so beloved. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Penne Pasta: While many pasta shapes work well in bakes, penne is truly exceptional for this recipe. Its hollow, tubular shape and ridged exterior are ideal for trapping and holding the thick, creamy sauce, ensuring every forkful is bursting with flavor. Cooking it “al dente” is key, as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing a mushy texture.
- Ground Beef: We recommend using lean ground beef to minimize excess grease, which can make the dish feel heavy. If you desire a richer, more complex flavor profile, consider substituting a portion of the ground beef with savory Italian sausage. This simple swap introduces a delightful depth and spice. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey can also be used, or for a vegetarian option, consider lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitutes.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion provides an essential aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce. Don’t underestimate its importance! For an even more robust flavor, don’t hesitate to mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and sauté it along with the onion until fragrant. This combination forms the foundation of a truly delicious sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: The quality of your marinara sauce profoundly impacts the overall taste of your pasta bake. Choose a brand you genuinely love, one known for its rich tomato flavor and well-balanced Italian spices. Avoid using plain tomato sauce, as it often lacks the nuanced seasonings and depth required for this dish, resulting in a less flavorful outcome. Consider homemade marinara if you have the time for an extra special touch.
- Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient that transforms our robust meat sauce into a luscious, creamy delight. The sour cream adds a wonderful tang and velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. While you could technically omit it, doing so would mean missing out on one of the most irresistible aspects of this recipe – its signature creaminess. Full-fat sour cream offers the best results, but a lighter version can be used. Cream cheese or ricotta are also excellent alternatives for achieving a similar rich texture.
- Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheeses: Yes, this recipe is unashamedly cheesy, and that’s precisely why it’s such a hit, especially with kids! The combination of these three distinct cheeses creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Sliced Provolone, with its mild, slightly nutty taste and excellent melting properties, adds incredible stretch and cheesiness. Mozzarella contributes to that classic gooey, stringy cheese pull everyone loves. Finally, grated Parmesan offers a sharp, salty finish that elevates the entire dish. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes this bake truly decadent!
- Fresh Parsley: While not strictly essential for flavor, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of fresh, herbaceous brightness that beautifully contrasts with the rich pasta. It’s an easy way to elevate the presentation and add a hint of freshness. Other fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also be used.
Crafting Your Delicious Penne Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this irresistible Penne Pasta Bake is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta. Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches the perfect “al dente” stage. This is crucial: the pasta should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook and soften in the oven. Overcooking at this stage will result in mushy pasta after baking, which we want to avoid. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
Step 2: Develop the Flavorful Meat Sauce. While your pasta is cooking, you can start on the heart of the dish: the savory meat sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, typically about 5-7 minutes. If adding garlic, stir it in during the last minute of cooking the onion until fragrant. Next, pour in your favorite marinara sauce, ensuring it’s a brand you love for optimal flavor. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until it is completely incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. This step is key to achieving the signature richness of this bake.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce. Gently add the drained, al dente penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy meat sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta is generously coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. This ensures a consistent taste and texture throughout the entire bake.
Step 4: Assemble for Baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Now, it’s time to create those irresistible layers. Spoon half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, generously top this layer with half of your sliced Provolone cheese (tearing the slices as needed to cover the surface) and half of the shredded or sliced Mozzarella. This creates a wonderful cheesy layer in the middle of the bake. Follow with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Finally, top with the rest of the Provolone and Mozzarella, ensuring good coverage, and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface. The multiple layers ensure a cheesy bite with every scoop!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Place your assembled Penne Pasta Bake into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The bubbling cheese signifies that the internal components are heated through and the flavors have fully melded. Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to set slightly and makes for cleaner serving. Before diving in, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Watch How to Make Penne Pasta Bake
For a visual guide to preparing this mouthwatering Penne Pasta Bake, simply watch the video above. It walks you through each step of the process, from cooking the pasta to layering the cheeses, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. Seeing the techniques in action can be incredibly helpful!
Expert Tips and Customizations for Your Pasta Bake
Elevate your Penne Pasta Bake with these helpful tips and creative variations, ensuring a perfect, personalized meal every time.
- Choosing Your Pasta: While penne is our top recommendation for its sauce-capturing ability, feel free to experiment with other short-cut pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or even cavatappi. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold up to the hearty sauce and baking process without becoming mushy. Always cook your pasta to “al dente” – it should still have a firm bite before being combined with the sauce, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cheese Matters: We love the combination of sliced Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan for its incredible flavor and melty texture. If you can only find shredded Provolone, that will work, but the slices tend to create distinct, gooey layers of cheese that are exceptionally satisfying. For an extra kick, consider adding a layer of sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of smoked gouda. Freshly grated cheese always melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded options, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Leftovers Are a Treat: This Penne Pasta Bake truly shines as a leftover. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen, often tasting even better the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion covered in the oven until warmed through.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Planning ahead? This pasta bake is an excellent make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire dish up until the point of baking. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to take the chill off. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling vigorously.
- Freezing for Future Meals: This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can freeze it either before or after baking.
- To freeze unbaked: Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish (preferably foil or disposable for easy transfer). Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
- To freeze baked: Allow the baked pasta to cool completely. You can freeze it whole, or divide it into individual portions for quick grab-and-go meals. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw individual portions in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven. For a whole frozen baked dish, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in the oven until hot.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty Penne Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic addition for soaking up any extra sauce. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed asparagus complement the rich flavors beautifully.
- Customize Your Meat: Beyond ground beef and Italian sausage, consider ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even a can of drained and rinsed lentils.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the marinara. This will give your pasta bake a subtle, warming kick.
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes
If you love the versatility and comfort that pasta brings to the table, be sure to check out some of these other fantastic recipes from our collection. Each offers a unique and flavorful way to enjoy pasta, perfect for any occasion:
One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
One Pan Pasta with Bacon and Peas
Skillet Lasagna
Shrimp Pasta with Poblano Cream Sauce
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Tuna Casserole
Baked Spaghetti
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Penne Pasta Bake Recipe
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
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Pure comfort food, this Penne Pasta Bake recipe has a meaty, creamy sauce and lots and lots of cheese. It is perfect for a busy night, and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 24 oz marinara sauce (our favorite homemade marinara)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 oz sliced Provolone cheese
- 4 oz shredded or sliced Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes, letting the flavors develop. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until thoroughly combined. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir to coat all the pasta with the sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the Provolone and half of the Mozzarella cheese. Pour the remaining pasta mixture on top, then layer with the remaining Provolone and Mozzarella, and finally sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving hot.
Video
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from allrecipes.com
SUBSTITUTIONS: For more robust flavor, consider using half ground beef and half Italian sausage. While penne is our favorite, any short-cut pasta like ziti or rigatoni can be used instead.
MAKE AHEAD: This dish can be easily assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
FREEZE: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the entire dish and freeze either before or after baking. Ensure it has cooled completely if freezing after baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking/reheating. Leftovers can also be frozen in individual portions and reheated in the microwave for convenient single servings. For larger portions, reheating in the oven is recommended for best results.
STORE: Store any cooled leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 492kcal (25%)
Carbohydrates: 42g (14%)
Protein: 29g (58%)
Fat: 24g (37%)
Saturated Fat: 12g (75%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 67mg (22%)
Sodium: 940mg (41%)
Fiber: 5g (21%)
Sugar: 10g (11%)
Keywords: baked pasta, pasta bake, penne pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food