- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the Penne:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Baked Penne:
- Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta in small spoonfuls. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top, followed by the remaining ricotta cheese mixture.
- Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the baked penne from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving.
Tips:
- Additions: For a heartier dish, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the baked penne ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it when ready to serve.
- Freezing: Baked penne freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
This Italian-inspired baked penne is perfect for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. It’s comforting, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce!