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Baked Penne Pasta - featured image

Baked Penne Pasta with Bubbling Mozzarella

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

An easy, budget-friendly 3-ingredient family dinner featuring penne pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 24–32 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or chopped spinach
  • Optional: 2 cups cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or rub with butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook for 1 minute less than package directions (al dente). Drain without rinsing.
  3. In a large bowl or pot, whisk together marinara sauce, milk, butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Add the hot drained pasta to the sauce mixture and stir well to coat every noodle. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until sauce is bubbling and cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispness, watching closely.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.

Notes

Grate your own mozzarella for better melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Do not overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. For leftovers, add a splash of milk or water when reheating to restore creaminess. You can add frozen vegetables or leftover chicken for variation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: baked penne, mozzarella pasta, easy dinner, family meal, budget friendly, weeknight dinner, one pot meal, comfort food

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Find it online: https://cookelu.com/baked-penne-pasta-with-bubbling-mozzarella-easy-3-ingredient-family-dinner/