Creamy Baked Penne with Mozzarella and Garlic Bread
This Creamy Baked Penne with Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food! Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, cream, ricotta, and Parmesan, perfectly balanced with a touch of marinara and fragrant oregano. Topped with gooey, golden mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is an instant family favorite. Serve it with warm, buttery garlic bread for a meal that’s cozy, satisfying, and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:n2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Bread: 1 baguette or loaf of French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the marinara sauce, then whisk in the ricotta cheese until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
3
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated.
4
Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
5
Make the Garlic Bread: Preheat your broiler to high. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Brush the mixture onto the cut sides of the bread. Place the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
6
Serve: Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with slices of garlic bread on the side.
Tags:
#BakedPasta#ComfortFood#CreamyBakedPenne#EasyDinnerRecipes#FamilyMeals#GarlicBread#MozzarellaCheese#PastaLovers#weeknightdinnerChefBryanCookingwithchefbryanKUTV
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