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Healthy Penne Pasta Bake Recipe


  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A comforting penne pasta bake made with ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until fully cooked.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce and mix well.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  8. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking. Let the bake rest briefly for cleaner servings.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: penne pasta bake, baked penne, pasta bake, cheesy pasta