Easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce

My easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce is a recipe that has it all: gooey cheese, al dente penne pasta and a tangy meat sauce. Your whole family will love it!

Easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce

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When I think about quick and healthy meals, my easy Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce comes to mind. It is packed with flavor and takes but a few ingredients to create this family favorite.

It also boasts artichokes which also adds more flavor and depth to this dish.

This version makes 8 servings but the recipe can be easily doubled ( or tripled) to serve larger crowds.

Leftovers the next day are awesome, too! So make extra and freeze for later. You’ll be glad you did!

Want to make Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce like I did? Here’s how:

Start by browning the ground meat and once cooked through add the mushrooms right in the pot.

To all of those ingredients, add tomato sauce and artichokes.

It’s best to spray the baking dish with non-stick spray first and then pour everything into the baking dish. Then top with mozzarella.

Bake it at 400 degrees F for 30-40 minutes until the cheese becomes golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool for approximately 5-10 minutes.

Serve. Enjoy!

Recommended Products for This Recipe

Preparation for this recipe is simple with these essential products.

Colander

I believe the staple of any kitchen is a colander and for me I choose OXO Good Grips Stainless-Steel Colander. It has easy-grip handles and “feet” that keep the base of the colander off the sink floor. Perfect for making pasta or anytime you need to strain.

Baking Dish

For even browning and baking use porcelain or ceramic. I recommend either Pillivuyt’s Porcelain 3-Quart (11-inch) Square Baker (left below), or the sturdy ceramic, CorningWare’s French White II (3-Quart) Bakeware (right below).

5 from 2 votes

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Easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce

My easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce is a recipe that has it all: gooey cheese, al dente penne pasta and a tangy meat sauce. Your whole family will love it!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword 60-minutes-or-less, baked pasta, pasta dish, pasta recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 575 kcal

Author Deborah L Melian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 12 ounces penne pasta dried
• 12 ounces Cento artichoke hearts
• 12 ounces Rao's Pasta Sauce
• 1 cup onion chopped finely
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms sliced thinly
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp Penzey's Italian Spice Mix
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes.
• 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
• olive oil extra virgin, drizzle
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. To a large kettle boil 3-4 quarts of water or per pasta package instructions.
3. Add pasta. Cook for 8-9 minutes.
4. Drain and set aside pasta. Do not rinse.
5. In a large frying pan, brown the ground chuck.
6. Add onions and mushrooms.
7. Add tomato sauce and artichokes.
8. Mix well.
9. Spray the baking dish with non-stick spray.

10. Pour entire mixture into the baking dish. Top with mozzarella.

11. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes until the cheese becomes golden brown.

12. Remove from oven and let cool for about five minutes. Sprinkle with chopped basil. Serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Easy Baked Italian Penne Pasta with Meat and Cheese Sauce

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 575 Calories from Fat 279

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 31g 48%

Saturated Fat 12g 60%

Cholesterol 93mg 31%

Sodium 713mg 30%

Potassium 599mg 17%

Total Carbohydrates 41g 14%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 31g 62%

Vitamin A 20.1%

Vitamin C 16.5%

Calcium 27.5%

Iron 21.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.