From time to time, I want something rich and comforting, but heavy meals can sometimes feel too much. In this Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake recipe, everything is balanced, and nothing feels overwhelming. The pasta stays tender, the sauce is smooth and flavorful, and the cheese adds richness without taking over. It feels indulgent, but still easy and familiar, which is exactly what I look for in a home-cooked meal.

This Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is one of those recipes that always makes me feel relaxed and happy while cooking. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting without being complicated. I love how the penne pasta holds the sauce so well, and how the cheese melts into every layer, creating a soft and satisfying bite every time. 

I have made this Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake many times, and I always stick to the same simple base. I use penne because it catches the sauce perfectly, a tomato-based sauce for depth, and a mix of cheeses for flavor and melt. I always choose good-quality cheese and take my time baking it, because patience makes the top golden and the inside creamy.

You can serve this pasta bake as a full meal on its own, with some fresh salad on the side, also with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. It fits easily into everyday dinners, relaxed weekends, or even casual gatherings with friends.

Its Perfect For:

• Family Dinners
• Meal Prep Days
• Potlucks and Gatherings
• Comfort Food Cravings
• Beginner Cooks

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

How to Make Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake?

Step 1

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and well combined.

Step 3

Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Turn off the heat and mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 4

Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5

Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6

Rest and serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake

• Cook pasta just until al dente
  Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
  Slight firmness works best.
  It finishes cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly shredded cheese
  Fresh cheese melts smoother.
  Pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.
  Texture improves a lot.
• Season the sauce properly
  Pasta needs enough salt.
  Taste before baking.
  Adjust slowly for balance.
• Mix cheese into the sauce
  This adds creaminess inside.
  Not just on top.
  Every bite tastes rich.
• Grease the baking dish lightly
  Prevents sticking on the edges.
  Makes serving easier.
  Cleanup is faster.
• Let it rest after baking
  Cheese sets as it cools.
  Portions hold their shape.
  Flavor settles nicely.
• Watch closely when broiling
  Cheese browns quickly.
  A few minutes is enough.
  Don’t leave the oven.

Optional Ingredients

• Cooked ground beef or sausage
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Spinach or kale
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Ricotta cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes

How to Serve Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake?

I like to serve Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake straight from the oven while the cheese is still melted and bubbly on top. I usually spoon it onto plates while it’s warm so the pasta stays creamy and soft. I often add a light sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra Parmesan just before serving to make it feel special.

I also enjoy serving this pasta bake with something fresh on the side to balance the richness. I usually choose a green salad with a simple dressing or sliced tomatoes with olive oil. I find that the freshness helps lighten the meal while still letting the pasta shine.

I think this dish works perfectly for both quiet family dinners and shared tables with friends. I like serving it family-style in the baking dish and letting everyone help themselves. I love how it brings people together without needing fancy presentation or extra effort.

Is Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake Healthy?

Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. It provides energy from pasta, calcium and protein from cheese, and comfort that supports emotional well-being.

You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, adding vegetables, and watching portion sizes. Small changes can turn this comfort food into a more nourishing meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version
  Skip meat completely.
  Add mushrooms or zucchini.
  Still filling and satisfying.
  Perfect for meat-free meals.
• Chicken Pasta Bake
  Add cooked shredded chicken.
  Mix it into the sauce.
  Adds protein easily.
  Very family-friendly.
• Spicy Version
  Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
  Use spicy marinara.
  Adjust heat slowly.
  Great for spice lovers.
• Extra Creamy Version
  Add ricotta or cream cheese.
  Mix into the sauce.
  Makes it richer.
  Very indulgent.
• Low-Fat Version
  Use reduced-fat cheese.
  Replace cream with milk.
  Still comforting.
  Slightly lighter texture.
• Gluten-Free Version
  Use gluten-free penne.
  Check sauce labels.
  Same baking method.
  Works well.
• White Sauce Version
  Swap marinara for Alfredo.
  Add garlic and cream.
  Very rich flavor.
  Great for cheese lovers.
• Veggie-Packed Version
  Add broccoli or bell peppers.
  Roast vegetables first.
  Adds color and nutrients.
  Well-balanced option.

How to Store, How to Reheat

Store leftover Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it cool completely before storing to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.

To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave with a small splash of milk or sauce to keep it creamy. Cover loosely while reheating so it doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake

Can I make Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it, which makes dinner much easier on busy days.

Can I freeze Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well either before or after baking, as long as it is wrapped tightly to protect it from freezer burn and dryness.

Why does my pasta bake sometimes turn out dry?
A pasta bake can become dry if there is not enough sauce or if it is baked for too long, so adding a little extra sauce and watching the baking time helps prevent this.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni work well because they hold the sauce and bake evenly.

Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting oven-baked pasta made with penne, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
• Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, then add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and well combined.
• Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Turn off the heat and mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
• Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Rest and serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm.