Baked Penne
When I think of comfort food, Baked Penne immediately comes to mind. There’s something about the combination of warm, cheesy goodness and the delightful al dente pasta that just warms the soul. I fondly remember the evenings spent in the kitchen with my family, where the aroma of bubbling cheese filled the air, making everyone gather around the dining table, eager to dig in. This dish is more than just food; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings people together. The Baked Penne is perfect for those chilly winter nights when all you want is a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside. I usually prepare this recipe when I have friends over or during family gatherings because it’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time. You can assemble everything, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic while you enjoy the company of your loved ones. Trust me, once you serve this dish, it’ll be the highlight of your dinner table!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
10 mins
30 mins
Medium
550 kcal
25 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
28 g
Large Pot with Strain, Small pan, Ovenproof baking dish, Whisk
Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne
It’s All About the Cheese
What’s not to love about a dish laden with cheese? The combination of Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella creates a creamy texture that’s utterly irresistible. When baked, the top gets beautifully golden, offering that satisfying crunch before revealing a gooey center. Each bite brings a symphony of flavors that will make you crave more.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
Life gets busy, and sometimes you need meals that can be prepped in advance. This Baked Penne is an ideal candidate! You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a huge time-saver and allows you to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends.
Great for Leftovers
Not only is Baked Penne delicious fresh from the oven, but it also makes for great leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go. Reheating it brings back that creamy texture and flavor, making it just as good, if not better, the second time around!
Customizable and Versatile
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Want to sneak in some vegetables? Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go ahead! The Baked Penne is all about making it your own.
Comforting in Every Bite
There’s something about a hearty pasta dish that wraps you in comfort. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a simple family dinner, the Baked Penne is sure to delight everyone. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, making it one of my all-time favorite recipes.
Easy to Prepare
If you’re looking for a recipe that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, you’ve found it! With straightforward steps and easily manageable ingredients, anyone can whip up this delightful dish. It’s perfect for novice cooks who want to impress without the stress.
Ingredients Overview for Baked Penne
When it comes to the ingredients for Baked Penne, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a significant role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish. The combination of tomato sauce, pasta, and an array of cheeses creates a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups tomato sauce: A rich tomato sauce is the foundation of this recipe, providing moisture and flavor.
- 1 pound penne rigate pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully while offering a delightful bite.
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano, grated: A sprinkle on top for extra flavor and texture.
- 18 ounces mozzarella, cut into small pieces: Creates that gooey, cheesy texture we all love.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3 cups whole milk: Essential for creating a creamy béchamel sauce.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used in the béchamel for added creaminess.
- 5 tablespoons flour: The base for thickening the béchamel sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for flavor.
- Pinch of nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg enhances the béchamel sauce.
Step by Step Guide for Baked Penne
Making Baked Penne is a straightforward process that results in a delightful dish. Let’s walk through each step together. With a little time and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that the Baked Penne will cook evenly and achieve that wonderful golden top.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a full boil. Add the penne rigate pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it too soft, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the cooking pot. This is where the magic begins! Add the tomato sauce to the pasta and mix it well, ensuring every piece is coated.
Now, add all but one cup of the béchamel sauce to the pasta mixture and combine. This will help create a creamy texture that binds everything together.
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and three-quarters of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is well incorporated, and you can see those lovely cheese bits throughout the pasta.
Pour the remaining cup of béchamel sauce into the bottom of your ovenproof baking dish. This step prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and adds extra creaminess.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. It’s important to make sure it’s evenly spread, so every bite is delicious!
Sprinkle the two tablespoons of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and the remaining mozzarella over the top. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust when baked.
Cut the remaining two tablespoons of unsalted butter into small pieces and place them all over the top of the cheese and in the corners. This will add an extra layer of flavor during baking.
Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbling with deliciousness. If you crave a golden crust, you can broil it for a couple of minutes; just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
While the Baked Penne is baking, let’s make the béchamel sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
Next, slowly add the milk while continually whisking. This is crucial to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens. It should coat the back of a wooden spoon without running off too quickly.
Season your béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust as needed. The sauce should be creamy, flavorful, and just what your Baked Penne needs!
Things Worth Knowing
Things Worth Knowing
- Resting the pasta mixture for a few minutes after mixing helps the flavors meld together.
- Using room temperature mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano makes it easier to mix and creates a smoother texture.
- For a healthier version, consider adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the pasta.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice crispy texture to the top, just be sure to watch it closely!
Change It Up
The beauty of Baked Penne lies in its versatility. Here are some tips to personalize your dish:
- Storage: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to four days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked Baked Penne in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just remember to defrost overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Twist: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel for a little kick!
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions for Baked Penne
When serving Baked Penne, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great ideas to enhance your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of the Baked Penne. Toss it with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for mopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
- Wine Pairing: Although I don’t recommend alcohol, a sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic beverage can be refreshing alongside your meal.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy get-togethers, or even as a comforting meal during the winter holidays.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to restore that baked texture.
- Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with hearty roasted vegetables to complement the warm, cozy vibes.
FAQ
Conclusion
In essence, the Baked Penne stands out as a quintessential comfort dish, perfect for gatherings and cozy nights in. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. From the creamy béchamel to the rich tomato sauce and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that truly warms the heart and brings loved ones together. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make a wonderful meal that everyone will adore!
Baked Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that the Baked Penne will cook evenly and achieve that wonderful golden top.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a full boil. Add the penne rigate pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it too soft, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the cooking pot. This is where the magic begins! Add the tomato sauce to the pasta and mix it well, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Now, add all but one cup of the béchamel sauce to the pasta mixture and combine. This will help create a creamy texture that binds everything together.
- Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and three-quarters of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is well incorporated, and you can see those lovely cheese bits throughout the pasta.
- Pour the remaining cup of béchamel sauce into the bottom of your ovenproof baking dish. This step prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and adds extra creaminess.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. It’s important to make sure it’s evenly spread, so every bite is delicious!
- Sprinkle the two tablespoons of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and the remaining mozzarella over the top. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust when baked.
- Cut the remaining two tablespoons of unsalted butter into small pieces and place them all over the top of the cheese and in the corners. This will add an extra layer of flavor during baking.
- Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbling with deliciousness. If you crave a golden crust, you can broil it for a couple of minutes; just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- While the Baked Penne is baking, let’s make the béchamel sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
- Next, slowly add the milk while continually whisking. This is crucial to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens. It should coat the back of a wooden spoon without running off too quickly.
- Season your béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust as needed. The sauce should be creamy, flavorful, and just what your Baked Penne needs!
Notes
- Make ahead: This baked penne recipe can be made ahead of time, one day, and baked at the last minute. Store in the refrigerator covered.
- Store: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat: Bring back to room temperature and reheat in the refrigerator at 325°F until to desired warmth.
- Freeze: You can freeze in a safe freezer container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bring back to room temperature before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot to your likings.
