Table of Contents
- Why This Baked Penne Fits Simple Weeknight Recipes
- The Story Behind the Dish
- Effortless Recipes That Still Feel Special
- Beginner-Friendly Recipes for Busy Nights
- Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Make-Ahead & Storage
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
- Comforting baked penne that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for busy nights.
- Built for easy recipes lovers: pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Flexible for family tastes and great for recipes for dinner meal plans and leftovers.
Why This Baked Penne Fits Simple Weeknight Recipes
If you gravitate toward easy recipes, this cozy baked penne is your new go-to. Among the many easy recipes I make for my household, this one checks every box: fast prep, familiar flavors, and a bubbly, cheesy finish that feels like a hug. On Betty Cooks, I (Betty) love sharing comforting classics that still leave you time to unwind.
The Story Behind the Dish
This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel calmer. It’s hearty enough for dinner recipes without being heavy, and it lands squarely in the world of pasta recipes people request again and again. Think golden cheese, saucy noodles, and the satisfaction of serving something everyone actually wants to eat.
Effortless Recipes That Still Feel Special
What I love about truly effortless recipes is how they transform basic pantry staples into something company-worthy. This baked penne is a perfect example—no tricky steps, just reliable technique that turns a simple casserole into one of your favorite comfort food recipes. Add a crisp salad and garlic bread for instant balance.
Beginner-Friendly Recipes for Busy Nights
Even if you’re new to cooking, this belongs in your rotation of beginner-friendly recipes. It’s ideal for quick and easy recipes nights and fits neatly into weekly recipes for dinner plans. If you love cozy pasta bakes, this one’s a keeper—especially when you need satisfying food with minimal supervision.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Round out the plate with roasted broccoli or a simple Caesar salad. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens everything. For potlucks, double the batch and take advantage of those easy pasta bake recipes qualities: sturdy, sliceable, and crowd-pleasing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
As far as simple weeknight recipes go, baked pasta is hard to beat for make-ahead convenience. Assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully—add a splash of water or sauce to keep everything saucy.
Notes & Tips
- Use a flavorful marinara and don’t skimp on the cheese pull.
- Swap sausage for beef or go meatless with mushrooms and spinach.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra golden-brown edges.
- Scale up for gatherings—this belongs in everyone’s list of simple, no-fuss cooking options.
Easy Recipes: Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the skillet and mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
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