Baked penne pasta with tomato sauce and cheese in white bowl

Deliciously Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe that Will Make You Crave for More

Do you ever find yourself craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that is both comforting and delicious?

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If so, then get ready to have your taste buds tantalized with this amazing baked penne recipe that will leave you begging for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to indulge in a tasty homemade dish, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe

Picture this: layers upon layers of perfectly cooked penne pasta, enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce that will have you swooning at first bite.

The combination of flavors in this dish is sheer perfection – the pasta absorbs the sauce, giving it an irresistible creaminess, while the melted cheese creates a gooey, melty topping that is impossible to resist.

But what really sets this baked penne recipe apart is the bold flavors that are incorporated into the dish.

From fragrant garlic and onions to aromatic herbs and spices, every ingredient works together harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Baked penne pasta with tomato sauce and cheese in white bowl

And let’s not forget about the star of the show – the delectable cheese.

A generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese brings a level of cheesiness that is simply out of this world.

So, whether you’re a pasta lover or simply someone who enjoys a good, hearty meal, this deliciously cheesy baked penne recipe is a must-try.

Get ready to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings with every mouthwatering bite.

Keep reading to discover the secret behind this irresistible dish and learn how to recreate it in your own kitchen.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions for cooking the penne pasta, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this deliciously cheesy baked penne recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of penne pasta
  • 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb. hamburger meat
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Gather these ingredients and let’s get started on creating this mouthwatering dish!

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking the Penne Pasta

The first step in making this delicious baked penne recipe is cooking the penne pasta to perfection.

Follow these simple instructions:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.

Cooking the pasta al dente is important as it will continue to cook when baked in the oven later on.

This ensures that your penne retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.

Easy Way Make to Baked Penne

In just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy the whole family.

  1. With the cooked pasta done, continue with the hamburger meat.
  2. Brown the hamburger meat until no longer pink; then add spaghetti sauce and stir until evenly combined.
  3. Rinse the penne pasta once cooked and return to the pan. Add 1 tbsp. of butter to soften the pasta. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Layer half of the penne into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Then add the meat mixture over pasta, topped with a layer of cheese. Repeat the process to add a second layer on top.
  5. Bake in the oven at 350F° for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
  6. Serve and enjoy!
Baked penne pasta with tomato sauce and cheese in white bowl

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Now that the pasta is cooked, it’s time to create the creamy cheese sauce that will coat every bite of penne.

If you want to create your own sauce — not one from a jar — follow these steps:

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and onion mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
  5. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

The creamy cheese sauce is what gives this baked penne recipe its irresistible richness.

The combination of melted cheeses with garlic and onions creates a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds!

Adding Layers of Flavor with Garlic and Onions

To enhance the flavors even further, we’ll be incorporating additional layers of garlic and onions into our dish. Here’s how:

  1. In a separate skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add finely chopped onions to the skillet and cook until they become soft and translucent.

This step adds depth to the baked penne recipe by infusing the garlic and onions with a slightly caramelized flavor.

It’s these little details that make all the difference!

Enhancing the Dish with Aromatic Herbs and Spices

To elevate the flavors even further, we’ll be incorporating aromatic herbs and spices into our dish. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Add dried oregano and dried basil to the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The addition of these herbs and spices brings a burst of freshness to our baked penne recipe.

The oregano and basil add a hint of Italian flair, making this dish even more irresistible!

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Building the Layers of Penne and Cheese

Now that all our components are ready, it’s time to assemble our baked penne dish. Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy cheese sauce on the bottom.
  3. Add a layer of cooked penne pasta on top of the sauce.
  4. Sprinkle some sautéed garlic and onions over the pasta.
  5. Pour more creamy cheese sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  6. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.

The layering process allows each bite to be filled with cheesy goodness while ensuring that every part of the penne is coated in sauce.

It’s like building flavor upon flavor!

Baking to Perfection: Time and Temperature Guidelines

Now that our baked penne is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these guidelines:

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The covered baking time allows the flavors to meld together while preventing the top layer of cheese from browning too quickly.

Removing the foil towards the end ensures a golden, gooey cheese topping that will make your mouth water!

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The Final Touch: Melting and Browning the Cheese

To achieve that perfect cheesy finish, we’ll give our baked penne a final touch. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Switch your oven setting to broil.
  • Place the baking dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese on top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.

This step adds an irresistible texture to our baked penne recipe.

The slightly crispy cheese topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta underneath – pure cheesy perfection!

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Your deliciously cheesy baked penne is now ready to be served! Here are some serving suggestions and accompaniments:

  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
  • Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine for the ultimate dining experience.

Feel free to get creative with your accompaniments and make this dish your own. The possibilities are endless!

Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe

Conclusion: Indulge in the Cheesy Goodness of Baked Penne

In conclusion, this deliciously cheesy baked penne recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

From the perfectly cooked penne pasta to the creamy cheese sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more.

The layers of garlic, onions, herbs, and spices add depth and complexity to the dish, while the melted and browned cheese provides that irresistible cheesy finish.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and treat yourself to this mouthwatering baked penne recipe.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a comforting homemade meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Indulge in the cheesy goodness and enjoy every delectable bite!

Baked penne pasta with tomato sauce and cheese in white bowl

Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Try this cheesy and creamy Baked Penne recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese - yum!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of penne pasta
  • 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb. hamburger meat
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
  3. Brown the hamburger meat until no longer pink; then add spaghetti sauce and stir until evenly combined.
  4. Rinse the penne pasta once cooked and return to the pan. Add 1 tbsp. of butter to soften the pasta. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Layer half of the penne into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Then add the meat mixture over pasta, topped with a layer of cheese. Repeat the process to add a second layer on top.
  6. Bake in the oven at 350F° for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Cooking the pasta al dente is important as it will continue to cook when baked in the oven later on. This ensures that your penne retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 305Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 463mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 22g

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