Easy Double Cheese Baked Penne
Being part Italian I love those types of pasta recipes.
You know, cheese, noodles, cheese, sauces, cheese. Some great Italian spices. Did I mention even 4 cheese blends?
Pasta and antipasto are my comfort foods.
Unfortunately, I am not supposed to have carbs or cheeses due to my cholesterol. I have been forced lately to find healthier alternatives to those ingredients.
Well, I haven’t gotten to this one yet. This penne dish is on the top of my favorites list. I am not ready to give it up.
These are the INGREDIENTS you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef, optional
- 1 med Onion, chopped
- 2 1/2 Cups Penne pasta, drained
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 24 oz chunky vegetable pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 Lge Egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
These are the INSTRUCTIONS For preparation:
- Heat oven to 350°F. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in cooked pasta, salt, pepper and pasta sauce.
- In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spray 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spoon half of pasta mixture (about 3 1/2 cups) into bottom of baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 1/4 cups cheese.
- Spray piece of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
NOTES
To Make Ahead: Wrap foil-covered casserole in double layer of plastic wrap; label and freeze up to 3 months.
To thaw and bake: Thaw overnight or until completely thawed in refrigerator. Remove plastic. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted.
To bake from freezer (no thawing): Heat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic. Bake 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until center is hot (165°F) and cheese is melted.
Optional: Substitute turkey for ground beef.Delete ground beef option completely.
It is easy to dish out being made in a casserole pan. And I don’t have to worry about waiting for it to firm up so it doesn’t slide all over.
My grandma used to make this dish on Sunday when we visited. She didn’t eat meat, so this recipe has left it out. But meat isn’t needed to make this dish spectacular.
Feel free to add anything you like to your penne dish.
Ground turkey, lean beef, or even chicken will work well and give a different texture to this Baked Penne.
And it doesn’t hurt at all to add a bit of old fashioned comfort! Enjoy!
Easy Double Cheese Baked Penne
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, optional
- 1 med Onion, chopped
- 2 1/2 Cups Penne pasta, drained
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 24 oz chunky vegetable pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 Lge Egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in cooked pasta, salt, pepper and pasta sauce.
- In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spray 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spoon half of pasta mixture (about 3 1/2 cups) into bottom of baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 1/4 cups cheese.
- Spray piece of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
Substitute turkey for ground beef.
Delete ground beef option completely.©MARILYN’S TREATS. All images are copyright protected.Â
Nutrition
Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
Conversion Information We get a lot of requests to help with conversions especially between various countries like Canada, the U.K. and Australia. These tables should help you make those conversions. For your convenience we have included a Conversion Chart.
Disclaimer Unless indicated recipes influenced by cookbooks, magazines or family traditions.
I am Marilyn Lesniak. Writer, Photographer and Chief Bottle Washer behind the scenes at Marilyn's Treats. Don’t burn down the kitchen!! Let me help with my Kitchen Tips, Hacks and Recipes for all levels of Chefs.
This one sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Chas. We just love pasta in my home. Enjoy your week.
This is a perfect dish for this time that we’re living in. My husband will love it. TFS
Thanks Clearissa. We are totally cooking easy, comfort, and items we have. Michigan s running out of condiments, soaps, meat and even fresh fruits and veggies. We are forces to shop around and that upsets me due to both my husband and I being so high risk of complications. I hope you are better there! Have a great week.
My Mother-in-Law made this all the time…it was delicious! I don’t make it often because I shouldn’t have that many carbs either. ..but I love it! Thanks for sharing on Farm Fresh Tuesdays, Marilyn!
I am supposed to be watching carbs also. I have been mixing my usual pasta with gluten free. And sadly, cutting my cheese use way down. I am not up to requirements yet. But baby steps work best for me. I am glad you like the penne Lisa. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week.
Just look at that golden crispy goodness on the top! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope to see you there tomorrow too!
Thank you Helen. Glad you like the penne. Enjoy your evening!
I love double cheese anything Marilyn. This looks delish. Thank you for sharing with #omhgww.
Thank you Clearissa! I am a cheese fan too. Have a happy day!
This dish is right up my alley – Pinned and making this one asap! Thanks for sharing.
I am glad you like it Chas. I hope you can have it with your restrictions. Enjoy your day.
Wow I love the look of your casserole, couldn’t be anything better!
Thank you for sharing on #omhgww
Have a great week!
You are welcome Karren!! I am glad you like this casserole. FYI- I tried to comment on your party today. It said I had to sign in. And some program came up asking me to register. I dont know anything about this or if it is legit. Just want ed you to know. This was different than last week. Hugz
the perfect comfort food! Yum xo
I love cheesy anything. I am glad you think so too. Enjoy!
My Prince Charming has to have his meat so I am glad to see this cheesy deliciousness also features ground beef. Mmmmmm!!
In my home I need to add meat on the side, or just make enough for my husband and I. I feel for that split. I m a raised meat and potatoes girl. I am glad you like this recipe!
This looks and sounds delicious and perfect for holiday entertaining! Thanks for the recipe.
I am ghlad you like the penne Julie! It is the perfect go to dish this time of year. Enjoy your day.
Wonderful recipe Marilyn. This is exactly what we need for the coming colder weather. TFS
Thank you Clearissa. This penne is the perfect comfort food!! Enjoy your day.