Cheesy Italian Penne Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Italian Penne Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich and savory tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this dish can be assembled quickly and baked to bubbly perfection. Enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
6
Servings
333
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Pasta
16 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic
1-2 cloves (Minced)
Canned Tomatoes
28 ounces (Diced, with juices)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Salt and Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
4
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
11.7g
Fat
36.7g
Carbs
13.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Penne Pasta Bake?
It is a comfort food dish combining penne pasta, a savory tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pasta bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size casserole dish is needed?
You should use a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
How much penne pasta do I need?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of penne pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses pasta, vegetables, and cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, including their juices.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
What seasoning is used for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions before assembling the bake.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is approximately 13.3g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is approximately 11.7g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving has 36.7g of carbohydrates.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly grease the dish before adding the pasta mixture.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this is a vegetarian recipe, you can easily add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many garlic cloves are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella is recommended for its melting quality, but you can experiment with parmesan or provolone.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its easy assembly and hearty nature make it perfect for gatherings.
Can I use whole wheat penne?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat penne; just ensure it is cooked al dente.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the tomato and herb mixture for 5-7 minutes.
How is the cheese distributed in the dish?
1 cup is stirred into the pasta mixture, and the remaining 1 cup is spread over the top.
What size onion is needed?
One medium onion, chopped.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready to eat.