Best 2 Baked Penne Casserole Recipes

Baked penne casserole is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. This hearty and cheesy dish is made with penne pasta, a creamy sauce, and a variety of vegetables and meat. The penne pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices. The mixture is then poured into a baking dish and topped with a layer of vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or zucchini. Finally, the casserole is covered with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED PENNE BOLOGNESE CASSEROLE

Baked Penne Bolognese Casserole image

This recipe is from meals.com. It is extremely affordable, quick and tasty. I find you really need the wine for the flavour. Great for leftovers or to freeze.

Provided by CC G

Categories Penne

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb dry penne pasta, prepared according to package directions
8 ounces lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup warm water
1 cup milk
1/3 cup dry red wine or 1/3 cup water
4 teaspoons beef flavor instant bouillon
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
2 cups mozzarella cheese or 2 cups your favorite cheese

Steps:

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
COMBINE beef, onion and garlic in large saucepan; cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in tomato paste, water, milk, wine, bouillon and Italian herb seasoning; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until flavors are blended.
LAYER ingredients as follows in 13 x 9-inch baking dish: half of pasta, half of sauce and half of cheese. Repeat layers; cover.
BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.

ELLEN'S BAKED PENNE PASTA CASSEROLE

ELLEN'S BAKED PENNE PASTA CASSEROLE image

If you're looking for a quick and delicious pasta dish that tastes like you've been cooking all day, this is it! I literally put it together with odds and ends, and it is outstanding!

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories Pasta

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 Tbsp butter
1/3 c chopped onion
1 jar(s) (24 oz.) prego spaghetti sauce flavored with meat
2 or 3 clove garlic, minced -- or -- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 c shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 c shredded hot pepper jack cheese
1/4 c parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. In a large pot, cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter and cook onion and garlic for about 3 minutes or until tender. Add the spaghetti sauce, basil, oregano, and half the mozzarella cheese. Stir to blend and allow mozzarella to melt.
3. Add the pasta to the sauce mixture and combine thoroughly. Pour into a greased 7x9x2" Pyrex baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and all of the hot pepper jack cheese.
4. Cover dish and bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes or until bubbly. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Tips:

Use a variety of pasta shapes. Penne, macaroni, and spaghetti are all great choices for baked pasta casseroles. You can also use a combination of shapes for a more interesting texture.
Don't overcook the pasta. Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Use a flavorful sauce. A good sauce is essential for a delicious baked pasta casserole. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. If you're making your own sauce, be sure to use fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Add some protein. Baked pasta casseroles are a great way to get a serving of protein. You can add cooked chicken, beef, sausage, or tofu to your casserole. You can also use a combination of proteins.
Don't skimp on the cheese. Cheese is what makes baked pasta casseroles so comforting and delicious. Use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the top of the casserole before baking.
Bake the casserole until it's bubbly and golden brown. This will ensure that the casserole is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Baked pasta casseroles are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With a little creativity, you can create a baked pasta casserole that is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or family gathering.