RecipesLittle OvenBaked Penne Pasta

Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

inspired by

@littleoven

Oct 12 2025

1h

Serves 6

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Recipe information

Make Baked Penne Pasta in just 1h . Penne pasta tossed with our original red sauce topped with meatballs and mozzarella cheese.

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Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

Meatballs

Toppings

Preparation

Pasta Preparation

1. Cook the Penne Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Meatball Preparation

3. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Assembly and Baking

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the prepared red sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. Layer in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the cooked meatballs, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meatballs, and top with the remaining mozzarella.

7. 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 bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Serve warm.

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