Baked Penne Pasta

Indulge in the comforting embrace of this classic Baked Penne Pasta recipe, a hearty meal that combines tender penne pasta with a rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a perfectly golden layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bursting with flavors from garlic, onion, oregano, and basil, this oven-baked pasta dish is a weeknight dinner hero that’s ready in under an hour. The luscious combination of gooey cheeses and aromatic herbs ensures every bite is a cozy delight. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this crowd-pleasing pasta bake is best served warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this baked pasta masterpiece will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 250 grams ricotta cheese
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Break up any lumps with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce and ricotta cheese, mixing well.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the top evenly.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Let the baked penne pasta cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2436 grams (2436.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4430

Total Fat 223.20g	286%
Saturated Fat 96.00g	480%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 706mg	235%
Sodium 6088mg	265%
Total Carbohydrate 387.00g	141%
Dietary Fiber 32.90g	118%
Total Sugars 48.00g
Protein 239.30g	479%

Vitamin D 31IU	155%
Calcium 3388mg	261%
Iron 36mg	198%
Potassium 5452mg	116%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.5%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 34.3%