Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to share my Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe because it’s one of those meals that never fails to impress both family and friends. Creamy, hearty, and baked to bubbly perfection, you’ll find yourself making this over and over — trust me on that!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to create that luscious creamy sauce and savory baked pasta. I like to use quality marinara and fresh herbs whenever possible to elevate the flavors even more.

• Penne Pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like penne that holds sauce well and bakes beautifully without getting mushy.
• Ground Beef: Lean or regular ground beef both work; I love the richness it adds.
• Unsalted Butter: For sautéing the onions—adds a nice depth and richness without overpowering.
• Yellow Onion: Diced finely, it softens and sweetens as it cooks.
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best aroma and flavor punch.
• Marinara Sauce: I swear by Rao’s for authentic taste, but homemade or any good quality jarred sauce is great choice.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temp — creating that ultra-creamy texture that sets this recipe apart.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Pairs perfectly with cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together effortlessly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth—don’t skip this!
• Fresh Basil: Brings fresh herbaceous notes; save some for garnish too.
• Dried Parsley: Adds color and a subtle earthiness.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Used in stages for balanced seasoning.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.

Variations

I love how easy it is to personalize the Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. This recipe’s flexible nature means you can make it your own without losing any of that rich, comforting goodness.

• Add Sausage: Swapping or mixing in Italian sausage with the beef adds a spicy, savory kick that my family goes nuts for.
• Make It Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat — the creamy sauce still steals the show.
• Spice It Up: Throw in some red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage if you like a little heat.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add extra mozzarella or even provolone for an ooey-gooey double cheese punch.

How to Make Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil — the salt really seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your penne about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions; this saves the pasta from becoming mushy when baked later. Once drained, toss it lightly with olive oil to keep it from sticking. I’ve learned this little trick saves so much frustration!

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Crumble it up and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat — this keeps the bake from becoming greasy. Then, lower the heat and melt butter for cooking your onions. Saute those diced onions until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for a minute more to release its aroma. This step builds the flavor base you’ll love.

Step 3: Whip Up the Herbed Cream Cheese Mixture

While the beef cooks, mix your softened cream cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, minced fresh basil, dried parsley, half the salt, and half the pepper together until smooth. This creamy herb blend is the heart and soul of that luscious sauce, so take a moment to blend it well!

Step 4: Combine and Simmer Your Sauce

Return the drained beef to your skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Stir in the marinara sauce, about two-thirds of the cream cheese mixture, and half the mozzarella. Let this warm gently while stirring frequently so the cheeses melt and marry with the sauce. Once it’s all combined and bubbling, add your drained pasta and the remaining salt and pepper. You’ll want to mix everything well here so each bite is perfectly coated with that creamy tomato goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your cheesy pasta mixture to a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Spread the remaining one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of your mozzarella. Here’s a little trick I learned: spray your aluminum foil with nonstick spray before covering the dish (spray the foil side down) to prevent cheese sticking. Bake covered for 15 minutes at 350°F, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Basil and Enjoy

Right after baking, sprinkle additional minced fresh basil on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. I love this final touch — it makes the whole dish feel bright and inviting. Grab a big spoon and dig in!

How to Serve Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Besides fresh basil, I often add a light sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan after baking for a bit of salty sparkle. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds another layer of flavor, especially if you like a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

I like to pair this baked penne with a simple crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness nicely. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is another favorite to help scoop up every last cheesy bite. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus round it out perfectly for a well-balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a tiny basil leaf for elegance. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so the layers peek through, making it look as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the baked penne cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy, and warm gently on the stove or in the oven.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge when I’m ready to bake. Baking from thawed ensures even cooking and a perfect bubbly finish.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. If reheating a single portion, the microwave works too, just add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Creamy Baked Penne Recipe has become a true go-to for me whenever I want that cozy, made-with-love vibe on the dinner table. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and utterly satisfying. I really recommend giving it a try — once you make it, you’ll understand why my family keeps asking for it! Happy cooking, friend.

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