Let me tell you, I have made this No-Boil Baked Penne more times than I can count, and each time it’s a resounding hit! The excitement in my kitchen when I pop that bubbly, cheesy goodness out of the oven is just unbeatable. Trust me, if you’re looking for a quick comfort food delight that will impress your family and friends, this is it! The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, which is why it’s become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s dive into why you will absolutely fall in love with this dish!
Why You’ll Love This No-Boil Baked Penne
- Effortless Preparation: No boiling pasta means you can whip this up in no time!
- Deliciously Creamy: The rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella create a comforting texture.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, store it, and enjoy it later — it’s a weeknight lifesaver!
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch!
- Visually Stunning: This dish looks impressive, perfect for entertaining guests!
The Secret to Perfect No-Boil Baked Penne
The magic of this No-Boil Baked Penne lies in the fact that you don’t need to pre-cook the pasta! Instead, the penne cooks right in the oven, absorbing all that delicious marinara sauce flavor. Here’s a little insider tip: make sure to use enough liquid in your sauce. The pasta needs to soak it all up to become perfectly tender! When you layer everything together, the pasta, sauce, and cheese create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This No-Boil Baked Penne recipe was such a hit at our dinner party! Everyone went back for seconds!” – Sarah T.
“I can’t believe how easy this was! I made it for my kids, and they gobbled it up. Thank you!” – Mark L.
“I love that I can prep it in advance. It’s now my go-to for busy weeknights!” – Jennifer R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Vegetable Medley: Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a healthy twist.
- Meat Lovers: Layer in cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken for extra protein.
- Pesto Delight: Swap marinara for pesto sauce for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a zesty touch.
Bonus: Don’t forget to sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before baking for an irresistible golden crust!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough liquid, as gluten-free pasta can absorb more moisture.
How should I store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze No-Boil Baked Penne? Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly.
What if my pasta isn’t cooked through? If it’s not tender after baking, cover it with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!
Perfect Occasions for No-Boil Baked Penne
- Busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner.
- Casual get-togethers with friends.
- Comfort food cravings on rainy days.
- Potluck parties where you want to impress without the fuss.
- Family gatherings that call for a hearty dish everyone will love.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for making it this far! Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the recipe for this delightful No-Boil Baked Penne!
No-Boil Baked Penne
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Tip: For added flavor, use homemade marinara or your favorite jarred variety that you love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your pasta cooks evenly and the cheese gets bubbly and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well will infuse the sauce with flavor, making every bite a delight!
Step 3: Layer the Pasta
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture at the bottom. Then, add half of the uncooked penne in an even layer. Top with half of the ricotta cheese, followed by another layer of sauce.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce. Finish off with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. This creates that beautiful, cheesy crust!
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone gathering around!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a lovely touch and dig in! This dish is not only warm and cheesy but also packed with flavor.
Nutrition information (per serving): Approximately 400 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbs, 20g fat.
Final Thoughts
This No-Boil Baked Penne recipe is truly special. It allows you to create a comforting meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for those busy days when you just want to unwind with a delicious dinner. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite on your table. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting, creamy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
No-Boil Baked Penne
-
Total Time:
1 hr 5 mins -
Yield:
6 servings
Savor the rich flavors and creamy texture of this effortless no-boil baked penne, a quick and satisfying comfort food delight.
Ingredients
- • 12 oz penne pasta
- • 24 oz marinara sauce
- • 2 cups ricotta cheese
- • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- • 1 tsp garlic powder
- • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture at the bottom. Then, add half of the uncooked penne in an even layer. Top with half of the ricotta cheese, followed by another layer of sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce. Finish off with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a lovely touch and dig in!
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Method: Oven
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