Easy Recipes: Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta
Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. This easy recipes favorite combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese for a hearty family dinner.
Servings: 6 servings
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 9x13-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.