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Creamy Tomato Penne Bake recipe

Golden Creamy Tomato Penne Bake

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
A delightful pasta dish combining creamy tomato sauce with penne pasta, baked to a golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish 9x13 inch
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat and add heavy cream to the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper, stirring well.
  • Mix the cooked penne with the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.

Serving

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance the flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve: Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce in advance and assemble the dish just before baking.
Keyword baked penne, creamy tomato penne bake, tomato pasta bake