Description
Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta
“A rich and creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and layers of gooey melted cheese—baked to golden perfection!”
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté diced onion until soft, then add minced garlic.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix cooked pasta with the creamy tomato sauce.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden:
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2 minutes to get a crispy golden top.
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Pro Tip: Add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for extra protein!
