Saucy Baked Penne Pasta

This Saucy Baked Penne Pasta casserole is one of those make-ahead Italian inspired wonders that brings my family running to the table. In it, al dente penne pasta is smothered in a meaty tomato sauce embellished with Italian seasonings, garlic and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s then layered with slices of mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients to Make Saucy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

We enjoy Italian food in any shape or form. The sauces, pasta, seafood, and antipasti featuring all of the flavors of the Mediterranean are in one word, fabulous! On the practical side, Italian inspired baked entrees are great for make ahead meals. The flavors actually improve and become more robust if a pasta dish is assembled in advance, not to mention the time you’ll save. I actually plan on making this saucy baked penne ahead of time and have it ready to put into the oven on a busy day. Ingredients to make Saucy Baked Penne Pasta Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta: One pound of dry penne pasta preferrably with ridges.
• Meat: One Pound lean ground beef or ground sirloin.
• Sausage: One pound Italian sausage combined with the beef for the sauce.
• Onion: One sweet onion, white onion or yellow onion.
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Seasonings: Crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dry Italian seasoning.
• Pasta Sauce: Marinara sauce i.e. Bertolli Five Cheese or your favorite brand.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a a creaminess to the sauce similar to lasagna.
• Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture together.
• Shredded Cheese: Parmesan cheese plus a shredded Italian blend of cheese or Mozzarella cheese.
• Sliced Cheese: 9 slices mozzarella cheese or provolone cheese for the center layer.
• Garnish: Italian parsley.

How to Make the BEST Saucy Penne Pasta Recipe

• Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray 13×9-inch dish or pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• Penne Pasta Noodles – Cook the penne pasta in salted water per the directions until al dente. Drain well then add to a large mixing bowl.
• Onion – Cook onion with pepper flakes, seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste. 
• Beef and Sausage – Add ground beef and Italian sausage to onions. Cook over medium-high until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pot. Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Marinara Sauce – Add the marinara sauce. Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes.  Remove from heat, mix in parsley. 
• Combine the Pasta with the Sauce – Pour sauce over cooked pasta reserve 1 cup for the top.
• Ricotta Cheese – Whisk together ricotta and egg. Add to the bowl with the pasta along with shredded Italian cheese. Stir until well combined.
• Assemble – Pour 1/2 pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sliced Cheese – Arrange 9 slices of cheese over pasta.
• Layer Ingredients: Pour remaining pasta over cheese slices. Drizzle the top with the reserved 1 cup sauce. Spread evenly.
• Oven – Place into the oven and bake per the cooking time in the recipe sprinkling with the remaining shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
• Serve – Serve penne pasta bake hot garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Tips for Making Baked Penne Pasta

• Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: 13×9-inch baking dish or pan, large skillet, large bowl, cheese grater, sharp knife and cutting board, pasta pot, measuring cups and spoons.
• How Long Do You Cook Penne Pasta? Simply boil a large pot of water, add a generous amount of salt, and then add the pasta. Cook it according to the instructions on the box until it is al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes, then drain and use as desired for your recipe, like this Saucy Baked Penne Pasta casserole. Bake this penne pasta casserole in around 30 minutes.
• Make the Sauce One Day in Advance: The sauce for this recipe can be made up to one day in advance to save time. Reheat it before assembling the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can also fully assemble this casserole one day ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and chill until baking. When doing so allow 15-20 minutes on the counter to warm to room temperature and increase the baking time, if needed.
• How to Serve Penne Casserole: This pasta casserole can be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad and garlic bread.

Recipe Variations:

• Cheese: You can use all shredded cheese in this recipe, if you like and skip the slices. You can also use a different variety of cheese such as a shredded Italian cheese blend with provolone or make your own cheese mixture.
• Protein: You can make the sauce using ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork.
• Vegetarian Variations: You could add veggies to the sauce and omit the protein. Use a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, squash and bell peppers. Saute them in a skillet on the stovetop then combine with the sauce.
• Herbs: You can add fresh herbs such as oregano or basil to the sauce mixture.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite brand of pasta sauce to make the meat sauce.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftovers covered with aluminum foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in single serving portions in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
• Freezer: You can freeze this penne pasta bake in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven.

Side Dishes to Serve with Pasta

• Add a simple Spinach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette.
• Zucchini Fritters are crispy and golden.
• Add a basket of warm Garlic Bread and it becomes a tasty family pleasing meal.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• A crisp Arugula Salad with Granny Smith apples and dried cranberries.
• You may also like to try Chicken Penne Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing and One Pot Ham and Penne Skillet. for a tasty and simple weekday meal.

 

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13 x 9 inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives