Who can resist the hearty combination of tender pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese? This cheesy baked penne recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is mixed with succulent meatballs, aromatic marinara sauce, and topped with a generous portion of mozzarella cheese. This dish is baked to perfection to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Most of these ingredients are common household staples. However, if you are not frequently cooking Italian cuisine, you might need to pick up marinara sauce and penne pasta from your local supermarket. Furthermore, you can find pre-made meatballs in the frozen section or, if you prefer, you can prepare your own at home.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Penne
Penne pasta: These are tube-shaped pasta that will hold up well in hearty baked dishes.
Meatballs: You can use premade meatballs or make your own for this recipe.
Olive oil: This is used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic flavor.
Marinara sauce: This tomato-based sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine.
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, tomatoes add a bit of acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Parsley: Used for garnishing, adds a fresh note to the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives the dish its irresistibly gooey, stretchy, and melty texture.
One reader, Esther Reich says:
This cheesy baked penne recipe is a game-changer! The combination of meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family dinners. The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so easy to make. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe
How to prepare the meatballs: The meatballs should be prepared according to package directions or your favorite recipe. If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
How to cook the penne pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
How to sauté the onion and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
How to assemble the baked penne: Once the meatballs are prepared, combine them with the cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and tomatoes in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
How to bake the cheesy baked penne: After assembling the dish, top it with mozzarella cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to garnish with parsley: Once the dish is baked, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How To Make Cheesy Baked Penne
Feast on this cheesy baked penne pasta dish with noodles cooked al dente, then topped with meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Taste it now!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozpenne pastacooked al dente
- 1lbprepared meatballs
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1smallonionchopped
- 2clovesgarlicminced
- 24ozmarinara sauceor pasta sauce
- 14oztomatoeswith juice, fire roasted and diced
- 1tbspparsleyfresh, or 1 tsp dried
- 1cupMozzarella cheeseshredded
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Place the meatballs in a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 20 minutes, or according to package directions or recipe.
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Heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
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Remove the meatballs from the oven.
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Add the cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and tomatoes into the 9×13-inch pan along with the meatballs. Stir to combine.
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Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until heated through.
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Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
When removing the meatballs from the oven, you may drain the fat if a huge amount is present at the bottom. However, if it’s only a small amount, you may leave it in for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 633.85kcal
- Fat: 30.73g
- Saturated Fat: 13.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.92g
- Carbohydrates: 55.98g
- Fiber: 4.89g
- Sugar: 10.44g
- Protein: 32.12g
- Cholesterol: 94.49mg
- Sodium: 840.30mg
- Calcium: 317.18mg
- Potassium: 906.13mg
- Iron: 3.45mg
- Vitamin A: 156.22µg
- Vitamin C: 13.35mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Cheesy Baked Penne
To ensure that your penne pasta is cooked to perfection, it's crucial to not overcook it during the initial boiling process. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook when it's baked in the oven with the marinara sauce and meatballs. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its shape, which can affect the overall texture and presentation of your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Baked Penne
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatballs and pasta in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the dish.
Use store-bought marinara: Save time by using pre-made marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of meatballs and freeze the extras for future use in this recipe or other dishes.
One-pot cooking: Consider cooking the pasta and meatballs together in one pot to save time and reduce cleanup.
Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to eliminate the time-consuming task of grating it yourself.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe
penne pasta - Substitute with rigatoni: Rigatoni is a similar tube-shaped pasta that can hold the sauce and cheese just as well as penne.
meatballs - Substitute with Italian sausage: Italian sausage can provide a flavorful and savory alternative to meatballs in the recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce mixed with Italian seasoning: Mixing tomato sauce with Italian seasoning can create a flavorful alternative to marinara sauce.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for mozzarella in baked pasta dishes.
Best Way to Serve Baked Penne
Elevate the plating: As a Top Chef, presentation is key. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add color and visual appeal to the dish. Arrange the penne and meatballs in an artful manner on the plate to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a crispy element to the dish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs over the cheesy baked penne. This will provide a delightful contrast in texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated serving dishes that complement the dish and showcase your attention to detail. Opt for sleek, modern plating to impress the culinary professionals with your refined taste.
Garnish with precision: Use a delicate hand to sprinkle finely grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced with the right amount of cheese. Precision in garnishing demonstrates your dedication to culinary excellence.
Emphasize the focal point: Place a single meatball on top of the penne, drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over it, and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to draw attention to the star ingredient and highlight its exquisite flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cheesy Baked Penne
- Oven: An appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- 9x13-inch pan: A baking dish used for cooking and baking a variety of dishes, such as casseroles and desserts.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to the bottom of pots and pans for cooking food.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing food.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and boiling liquids.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food, typically made of wood, plastic, or bamboo.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad blade used for slicing, chopping, and dicing various ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
- Olive oil: A cooking oil made from pressed olives, commonly used for sautéing, frying, and dressing salads.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking recipes.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and cooking a variety of dishes, such as casseroles and desserts.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces for use in recipes and garnishing dishes.
- Pasta pot: A large pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for boiling and draining pasta.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe
- Allow the cheesy baked penne to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesy baked penne:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen cheesy baked penne will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat refrigerated cheesy baked penne, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- To reheat frozen cheesy baked penne, you can either:
- Thaw the frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Place the frozen portion directly in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning, if necessary.
- Note that the texture of the pasta and cheese may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Baked Penne
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover cheesy baked penne to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly crust.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the cheesy baked penne in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or marinara sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated to your liking.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the cheesy baked penne on the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a large skillet or saucepan and add a splash of water or marinara sauce. Heat the dish over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. If the pasta seems dry, add more liquid as needed. Once heated, you can top the dish with extra mozzarella cheese and cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
For a crispy twist, reheat the cheesy baked penne in a cast-iron skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Add the leftover pasta to the skillet and press it down to form an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip the pasta over in sections and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the other side. Serve the crispy, cheesy baked penne hot from the skillet.
Interesting Fact About Cheesy Baked Penne
The baked penne recipe is a classic Italian comfort food, often enjoyed by families and friends.
Is Making Cheesy Baked Penne at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this cheesy baked penne recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as pasta, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15-$20. Considering the quantity and quality of the ingredients, this recipe offers good value for money. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is Cheesy Baked Penne Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cheesy baked penne recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The meatballs, depending on their composition (e.g., high fat content), could contribute to the dish's overall saturated fat and calorie count.
- The marinara sauce and tomatoes, if store-bought, may contain added sugars and sodium.
- The mozzarella cheese, although a good source of calcium and protein, is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
- The pasta, being a refined carbohydrate, may cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives.
However, this recipe can be made healthier with a few simple modifications:
- Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken meatballs to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Prepare the marinara sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices to control the amount of added sugars and sodium.
- Use reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or a smaller amount of regular mozzarella to decrease the saturated fat and sodium content.
- Replace the regular penne pasta with whole-grain or legume-based pasta for added fiber, protein, and nutrients.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Use a smaller portion of pasta and meatballs while increasing the proportion of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe
This cheesy baked penne recipe is a delightful combination of hearty meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The blend of savory flavors and the comforting aroma will surely make it a crowd-pleaser. The addition of parsley adds a fresh touch, balancing the richness of the dish. Overall, it's a satisfying and comforting meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
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Why trust this Cheesy Baked Penne Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring meatballs and penne pasta smothered in a rich and flavorful marinara sauce. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, indulgent touch, while the aromatic blend of onion and garlic infuses the dish with irresistible depth of flavor. With carefully selected ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe promises a satisfying and comforting meal that will surely become a household favorite. Trust in the harmonious combination of classic Italian flavors and the convenience of a simple, yet delicious, baked pasta dish.
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