Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella
Baked Penne Pasta with Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. This dish features al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies. The aroma of this baked delight will fill your home, inviting loved ones to share in the delicious experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and marinara sauce; mix well. Add meat if using.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Customize by adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition. For a unique flavor twist, substitute mozzarella with ricotta or fontina cheese.