Marilyns Treats

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Easy Double Cheese Baked Penne

Pasta· Recipe Archive

The King of Penne Pasta. Mozzarella and ricotta bubble on top of the chunky veggie sauce. Take a forkful and expose the penne cooked al dente! Delicious.

Being part Italian I love those types of foods. 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. It is easy to dish up 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 feel free to add anything you like to your penne dish. It doesn’t hurt at all to add a bit of old fashioned comfort! Enjoy!

The King of Penne Pasta. Mozzarella and ricotta bubble on top of the chunky veggie sauce. Take a forkful and expose the penne cooked al dente! Delicious.

Easy Double Cheese Baked Penne

Mozzarella and ricotta bubble on top of the chunky veggie sauce. Take a forkful and expose the penne cooked al dente!
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cheese, pasta, veggies
Method: Bake
Skill Level: Basic
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Adjust Servings: 8
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Marilyn

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

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.
©MARILYN’S TREATS. All images are copyright protected. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 400kcal (20%) | Carbohydrates: 36g (12%) | Protein: 27g (54%) | Fat: 16g (25%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (40%) | Cholesterol: 85mg (28%) | Sodium: 840mg (35%) | Potassium: 240mg (7%) | Fiber: 12g (48%) | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 30mg (3%) | Iron: 15mg (83%)
Tried this recipe?Mention @marilynstreats or tag #marilynstreats!
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NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

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.

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Comments

  1. Lisa L Lombardo says

    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!

    Reply

    • Marilyn says

      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.

      Reply

    • Marilyn says

      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

      Reply

    • Marilyn says

      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!

      Reply

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