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Penne Pasta Bake

Penne Pasta Bake That is Heartwarming

This penne pasta bake recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta and Base:
  • 3 1/2 cups penne pasta, dried
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sauce:
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Cheese and Finishing:
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta: Cook penne in salted water until just under al dente (about 9–10 minutes, or 2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Make the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, cream (or half‑and‑half), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Stir and simmer 8–10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  4. Add pasta and cheese: Stir the drained penne into the sauce until coated. Mix in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan until just melted.
  5. Assemble: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish (I love my OXO glass baking dish). Spread evenly and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Tent with foil for the last 5 minutes if browning too quickly.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the pasta bake rest 5 minutes, then scoop into 8 portions and serve warm.

Notes

Refer to complete step by step instructions below.