Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix well.

Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Storage Information

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked pasta (before or after baking) for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.