Cheesy, 3-Ingredient Penne Pasta Casserole: A Tempting Dish That's Perfect for Comfort Eating
The Penne Pasta Bake has become a crowd-pleaser, winning over picky kids, vegetarian friends, and weeknight dinner guests alike. This effortless comfort food dish requires no fancy techniques, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.
The basic recipe includes pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The bake is prepared in three simple stages: cooking the pasta, assembling the bake, and baking to perfection.
For those seeking a spicy twist, the Spicy Arrabbiata Twist version of the penne pasta bake includes stirring in 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and using spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of regular tomato sauce. Alternatively, the Creamy White Sauce Version swaps the tomato sauce for a quick bechamel sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.
Variety is the spice of life, and the penne pasta bake offers plenty of it. Variations include adding different vegetables, meats, or swapping the cheeses to suit personal taste. The Meat Lover's Dream version includes browning 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef with a minced garlic clove and mixing it into the tomato sauce.
The Garden Fresh Veggie Delight version includes sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. The bake can also be customized by adding sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, or swapping the cheeses based on personal preference.
One of the best features of the penne pasta bake is its convenience. It can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers keep beautifully refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 15 minutes to restore its freshly-baked texture. For those in a hurry, the bake can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated when needed.
The penne pasta bake is baked at 190°C (375°F) for 18 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown with little cheese bubbles forming. It's best enjoyed when allowed to rest for 5 minutes after baking, to let the sauce thicken slightly and prevent cheese burns.
To make the sauce cling better, reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. The dish can be paired with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and garlic bread for serving.
The nutritional information for the penne pasta bake per serving is approximately 450 calories, with 20g of protein and 5g of fiber. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or a quiet dinner for two, the Penne Pasta Bake is sure to become a hit.
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