macaroni penne recipe

Easy Macaroni Penne Recipe: Quick Comfort Food

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As the cool autumn breeze whispers outside, nothing warms the soul like a freshly baked pasta dish. My grandma’s homemade macaroni penne recipe was always a comfort on chilly evenings—a mix of melty, creamy goodness and familiar flavors that brought a sense of security.

Now, as a busy parent, I crave that same comfort and nostalgia. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy macaroni penne recipe with you. It’s a quick, family-friendly dish that combines penne pasta, a rich meaty sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

Table of contents

What is Penne Pasta?

Penne pasta is a favorite in kitchens everywhere. It’s a small, tubular pasta with ridges. This shape makes it perfect for holding onto sauces.

The name “penne” comes from the Italian word for “quill.” It’s a nod to its unique shape. This shape helps sauces stick to it.

Penne pasta is loved for its ability to match many flavors. It’s great in creamy casseroles, fresh salads, or hearty tomato sauces. It always brings delicious results.

The Many Types of Penne Pasta

Penne pasta has many forms, each with its own charm. From the classic penne rigate to the smooth penne lisce, there’s a penne for every dish. Discover the perfect penne for your next Italian dish.

“Penne pasta is a true versatile hero in the kitchen, capable of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.”

Whether you love pasta or are just starting, penne pasta is key. It’s adaptable and boosts flavors in many dishes. Explore penne pasta and open up a world of flavors.

Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Penne Recipe

This creamy penne pasta recipe uses many tasty ingredients. It includes penne pasta, ground beef, onion, marinara sauce, sour cream, and cheeses.

Penne Pasta

Penne pasta is great for this creamy dish. Its shape and texture hold onto the sauce well. This means every bite is full of flavor.

Ground Beef and Onion

The ground beef adds a meaty taste. The sautéed onion brings more flavor to the creamy sauce.

Marinara Sauce

A marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, is used. It gives the pasta a classic tomato taste.

Creamy Cheesy Goodness

The secret to the dish’s richness is the mix of sour cream, provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These cheeses make the topping creamy and melty, binding the dish together.

With these penne pasta ingredients, ground beef recipes, and cheese combinations, you can make a delicious creamy pasta recipe. It’s perfect for a pasta bake or a cozy family dinner.

How to Make Creamy Penne Pasta Bake

Craving a comforting and cheesy baked penne pasta dish? This easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying, homemade meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious, bubbly pasta casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

To start, cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Once the beef mixture is ready, stir in the marinara sauce and sour cream until well combined. This creamy sauce is the star of the show, adding a rich and velvety texture to the dish. Gently fold the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.

IngredientAmount
Penne Pasta16 oz
Ground Beef1 lb.
Marinara Sauce48 oz
Sour Cream5 Tbsp
Mozzarella Cheese2 cups
Parmesan Cheese2 Tbsp

Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top it with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. For an extra crispy topping, mix melted butter and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle them over the cheese before baking.

Bake the creamy penne pasta bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese in every bite!

Baked Penne with Meat Sauce

Get ready to enjoy a tasty baked penne pasta dish. It combines tender penne noodles with a rich meat sauce. It’s great for a cozy family dinner or a hit at a potluck.

The Perfect Pasta Pairing

First, cook the penne pasta until it’s just right. It should have a bit of bite. Then, make a savory meat sauce by cooking ground beef and onions, and adding marinara sauce. The mix of seasoned beef and tangy tomato sauce is a hit.

Cheese, Please!

Layer the cooked penne and meat sauce in a baking dish. Then, add a lot of shredded provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly layer that’s perfect with the pasta and sauce.

With a few easy steps, you can make this baked penne pasta with ground beef and tomato sauce. It’s a cheesy pasta bake that everyone will love. Enjoy the comforting flavors and this crowd-pleasing pasta dish.

macaroni penne recipe with Vegetables

For a tasty vegetarian twist, skip the ground beef. Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers instead. These veggies pair well with the creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a great vegetarian penne pasta dish for those who want a veggie-packed meal.

Veggie-Packed Penne Pasta Bake

To make a penne pasta with vegetables dish, sauté your favorite veggies in olive oil. Good choices include:

  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • Zucchini
  • Broccoli

After sautéing, mix the veggies with marinara sauce and penne pasta. Layer it in a dish, add lots of cheese, and bake until it’s hot and bubbly. This meatless pasta recipes option is perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

IngredientQuantity
Penne pasta12 oz (340g)
Olive oil4 tbsp
Garlic, minced2 tbsp
Onion, diced1/2 cup
Bell peppers, diced1/2 cup each (red, yellow)
Zucchini, diced1/2 cup
Broccoli florets1/2 cup
Marinara sauce1 (24 oz) jar
Mozzarella cheese, shredded2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated1/2 cup

By choosing sautéed veggies over ground beef, this vegetarian dish is a flavorful, meatless choice. It’s packed with nutrition and loved by all. Enjoy this penne pasta with vegetables bake for a satisfying, meatless pasta recipes option.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This creamy baked penne pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can make the whole casserole ahead of time. Then, bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s also great for leftovers, reheating well for quick meals.

Just cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Then, reheat them in the microwave or oven. This way, you can enjoy it again and again.

Reheating Pasta Dishes

Reheating baked penne pasta leftovers right is key. Here are some tips for reheating pasta dishes:

  • Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.
  • Or, place the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until hot.
  • Add a splash of milk or water to the pasta before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

With a bit of prep, this make-ahead pasta casserole saves the day on busy nights. Enjoy the ease of meal prep pasta all week!

Baked penne pasta leftovers

Variations and Substitutions

Penne pasta is great for making many different dishes. You can change the cheese, protein, or even the pasta shape. This makes the creamy macaroni penne dish your own.

Cheese Substitutions

Try different cheese mixes instead of the usual provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Parmesan, mozzarella, and Fontina are tasty together. Or, mix Cheddar, Gruyère, and Pecorino Romano for something new.

Protein Alternatives

Ground turkey or Italian sausage are good swaps for ground beef. Turkey is leaner, and Italian sausage adds a spicy flavor.

Pasta Shape Swaps

  • Use rigatoni, farfalle (bowtie), or elbow macaroni if you don’t have penne. They all work well.
  • Choose a pasta that keeps the creamy sauce and feels good in your mouth.

Whichever changes you make, this baked penne pasta will be a hit. Be creative with your ingredients and enjoy the comforting taste of this easy casserole.

IngredientPercentage
Penne Pasta33%
Goat Cheese33%
Extra Virgin Olive Oil33%

This recipe is all about trying new things. Mix and match cheeses, proteins, and pasta shapes to make your own special penne pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving , the options are endless. Whether it’s creamy Penne alla Vodka or a hearty baked penne casserole, there are many side dishes to choose from. A simple green salad or a classic Caesar salad can be refreshing. A crusty garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a more filling meal, try pairing penne pasta with grilled or roasted chicken. Savory Italian-style meatballs or sautéed shrimp are also good choices. Roasted veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes for pasta bakes. They add a fresh crunch that complements the creamy pasta.

When picking sides for your penne pasta, aim for balance in flavors and textures. Pairings for creamy pasta dishes should offer a refreshing contrast. Hearty sides can turn the penne into a complete, satisfying meal.

penne pasta with side dishes

“The secret to a great pasta dish is all in the accompaniments. Choose sides that complement the flavors and bring out the best in your penne pasta.”

So, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, think about what to serve with penne pasta. It’s the key to a memorable meal.

Conclusion

This creamy, cheesy macaroni penne recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

The combination of al dente penne pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and melty cheese topping is perfect. It creates a satisfying and delicious meal. This baked penne pasta is great for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering.

For easy penne pasta dishes that are family-friendly, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to prepare with step-by-step instructions and a versatile ingredient list. The end result is a hearty and satisfying pasta bake that everyone will love.

With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this macaroni penne recipe is perfect for any time of the year. So, go ahead and try this delicious penne pasta recipe for your next meal. You’ll get a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

FAQ

What is penne pasta?

Penne pasta is a small, tubular pasta with ridges. It’s cut at an angle on both ends. The name “penne” means “quill” or “feather” in Italian. It’s great for many dishes, from creamy casseroles to fresh pasta salads.

What are the key ingredients in this creamy macaroni penne recipe?

The main ingredients are penne pasta, ground beef, onion, marinara sauce, and sour cream. You’ll also need provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

How do you make this creamy penne pasta bake?

First, cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. Then, cook the ground beef and onions. Stir in marinara sauce and sour cream to make the sauce.Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Layer it in a baking dish with the cheeses. Top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How can you make a vegetarian version of this macaroni penne recipe?

For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef. Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the marinara sauce.

Is this creamy baked penne pasta good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It reheats well, making it great for quick meals.

Can this recipe be customized?

Yes, you can customize it to your liking. Try different cheese combinations or use ground turkey or Italian sausage. You can also swap in other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle.

What sides pair well with this baked penne pasta dish?

It goes well with a green salad or Caesar salad. Serve it with garlic bread and roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. It’s also good with grilled or roasted chicken, or Italian-style meatballs.

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