Easy Baked Penne Pasta
This Easy Baked Penne Pasta is a cheesy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounce penne pasta your favorite brand
- 24 ounce pasta sauce choose a flavor you love, like marinara or roasted garlic
- 8 ounce cottage cheese low fat is perfectly fine
- 8 ounce sour cream low fat works here as well
- 5 garlic cloves, pressed for maximum flavor
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella divided for layering and topping
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, pressed garlic, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- In your baking dish, spread a layer of pasta sauce on the bottom. Next, layer half of the cooked penne over the sauce. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of pasta sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining pasta sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish. This will create a beautifully cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum Foil
Notes
- You can swap penne for rigatoni or ziti to change up the pasta shape.
- Ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream.
- Try different pasta sauces like pesto or Alfredo for unique flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat covered for best results.