Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Penne Bake

$- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 6 garlic cloves, finely minced - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided into two portions - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning When making this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, penne pasta makes a great base. It holds the sauce well and has a nice bite. For flavor, olive oil and garlic are key. They create a tasty foundation. Next, the cheese brings creaminess and richness. I love using ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Ricotta makes the dish smooth and creamy. The Parmesan adds a sharp flavor. Finally, mozzarella gives that gooey, stretchy finish. For seasoning, you can spice things up with red pepper flakes. They add a hint of heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder taste. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich tomato flavor. Lastly, Italian seasoning gives that classic herbal touch. With these ingredients, you're set to create a hearty and satisfying meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for that perfect bake. 2. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. This means it should still have some bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 3. In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir constantly until the garlic smells great but does not brown. 4. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. Then toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and looks bright. 5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Pour in the marinara sauce next. Don't forget to add the sautéed garlic and spinach mix! 6. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix everything until it is well combined. 7. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mix into the dish and spread it out evenly. 8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Then add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. 9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. 10. After 20 minutes, carefully take off the foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese on top to be bubbly and golden brown. 11. Once it is baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 12. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch before serving. - How to ensure al dente pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Check the package for cooking time. Start testing the pasta about two minutes early. You want it tender but still firm. This is what al dente means. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Best practices for sautéing garlic: Use medium heat and a good amount of olive oil. Add minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir it constantly for about two minutes. You want the garlic fragrant, not brown. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. - Pairing with salads or bread: This pasta bake goes well with a crisp green salad. A simple side salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with warm garlic bread for a hearty meal. The bread helps to soak up the cheesy sauce. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the bake straight from the dish for a cozy look. If you want a fancy touch, scoop servings into individual bowls. A sprinkle of parsley on top adds color and makes it look great. - Recommended herbs and spices: Fresh basil or oregano can brighten the dish. You can sprinkle some dried herbs on top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor. - Optional add-ins for a twist: Mix in cooked chicken or sausage for protein. You can also add roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. These add flavor and color to the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheese will enhance the overall flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Spice Level: If you're a fan of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Make Ahead: You can prepare the pasta mixture a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing in different types of cheese like fontina or gouda for a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even heartier by adding protein. Chicken or sausage works great. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. Mix them into the pasta before baking. If you love sausage, slice it and brown it first. Then, add it to the mix. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish too. Try adding beans or lentils for protein. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms for a nice texture. These swaps keep the meal filling and tasty. You can change up the pasta type based on your taste. While penne is great, you can use rotini or shells for fun shapes. They hold sauce well and add to the dish's look. Just make sure to cook them al dente. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well in this recipe. They cook similarly, so you won't lose any flavor. Marinara sauce is a classic for this bake, but you can switch it up. Try using Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. It pairs well with the garlic and cheese. For a homemade sauce, blend canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Simmer it on low heat for a rich flavor. This gives you control over the spices and freshness. Experimenting with these variations keeps the dish exciting. You can customize it to your liking every time you make it! To store your leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. They help prevent moisture loss. You can freeze the pasta bake for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can take out a single portion when needed. To reheat, first thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until hot. In the fridge, your pasta bake lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has mold, it is best to throw it away. Can I make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate the dish. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake it for a few extra minutes. This way, you save time on busy days. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you do not have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese. Blend it a bit for a smoother texture. Cream cheese is also a good choice. It will add richness to the dish. Greek yogurt can work too, though it may taste slightly tangy. How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes? The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you are sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount. You can also leave it out completely. The dish will still be tasty without the heat. Calories and macronutrients per serving Each serving has about 400 calories. It includes 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbs. The rich cheese and pasta make it filling and satisfying. Considerations for dietary restrictions This dish is not gluten-free due to the pasta. You can swap penne for gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free diets, use vegan cheese or a dairy-free ricotta option. Adjust the recipe to fit your needs. How to layer ingredients effectively Start with a layer of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Then add some cheese on top before the next layer. This creates a nice balance. Make sure each layer is even for the best baking results. Best practices for baking times and temperatures Bake at 375°F (190°C) for the best results. Cover with foil for the first part of baking. This helps cook the pasta evenly. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to brown the cheese nicely. Check for a bubbly, golden top before serving. This blog post covered all the key steps to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake. We discussed main ingredients like penne pasta, cheese, and seasoning. I shared preparation steps and tips to ensure the best flavor. You also learned about variations, storage, and common questions. Cooking can be fun and simple. Try this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends!$

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Penne Bake

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring penne, ricotta, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, topped with a golden crust.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups ricotta cheese
1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided into two portions
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
If you enjoy some heat, mix in the red pepper flakes along with the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce. Pour in the sautéed garlic and spinach mixture. Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Carefully mix everything until well incorporated.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look, or portion into individual bowls for elegant plating. A side salad pairs beautifully with this dish to balance the richness.

Keyword bake, cheesy, garlic, pasta, spinach