One-Dish Baked Penne

No-Boil Baked Penne offers a truly magical approach to a classic comfort food, eliminating the need for pre-boiling pasta. This ingenious one-pan recipe allows every component to bake together harmoniously, letting the penne absorb the rich, savory flavors of the sauce as the oven effortlessly handles the cooking process. Imagine a delightful dinner with no extra pots to scrub, no tedious draining, just a single baking dish delivering an incredibly easy, irresistibly cheesy, and deeply comforting meal that practically prepares itself. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a hassle-free yet deeply satisfying pasta experience.

This No-Boil Baked Penne recipe is a culinary dream come true for anyone with a packed schedule. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity: all ingredients, including the dry, uncooked penne pasta, are combined directly in the baking dish. After a hands-off baking period in the oven, you’ll simply stir in creamy ricotta cheese and generously top it with layers of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan. The transformation from raw ingredients to a golden-brown, bubbling, and hearty pasta bake is astonishing, resulting in a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family after a long day, host a casual dinner party, or simply indulge in some ultimate comfort food, this No-Boil Baked Penne is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. If you’re a fan of traditional baked ziti, you’ll undoubtedly adore this penne version. The primary distinction is merely the choice of pasta shape, with penne offering its signature ridges to perfectly capture every drop of that luscious sauce. The truly game-changing aspect? The pasta goes into the oven completely uncooked and emerges perfectly tender and al dente, soaking up all the incredible flavors as it bakes. Through extensive recipe testing, we found that penne typically achieves perfect tenderness in about 45 minutes, though individual oven temperatures can vary. It’s always a good idea to check its firmness around the 30-minute mark if you’re concerned, ensuring your pasta bake is cooked to your preferred texture.

Why You’ll Love This Effortless Baked Penne Recipe

• No Boiling Required: This is the ultimate time-saver! You can completely skip the messy and often cumbersome step of boiling pasta separately. The penne cooks directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing every delicious note and creating a deeper, more integrated taste experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes. Every ingredient comes together in a single baking dish, from mixing to baking, making cleanup an absolute breeze. More time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing pots.
• Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: Indulge in layers of rich, melty goodness. This dish is generously loaded with creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese, guaranteeing a satisfyingly cheesy bite every single time.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: With minimal hands-on prep, this recipe is your secret weapon for hectic evenings. Simply combine, cover, and bake – the oven does the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other tasks.
• Highly Customizable: This baked penne is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken, or an array of your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
• Fantastic for Leftovers: This comforting pasta bake reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a delicious lunch.

Essential Ingredients for Your No-Boil Baked Penne

The precise measurements and detailed instructions for this recipe can be found in the complete recipe card at the bottom of this article.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to lightly grease your baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a subtle, underlying richness to the overall flavor profile. Butter can also be a delightful alternative.
• Penne Pasta: The star of our no-boil method! Using uncooked penne is key, as it will absorb the rich sauce as it bakes, resulting in perfectly tender pasta infused with incredible flavor.
• Your Favorite Pasta Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred marinara or your go-to pasta sauce for a personalized touch. A thicker sauce will contribute to a more robust and luscious consistency. If you have a cherished homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, this is the perfect opportunity to use it!
• Water: Essential for providing the liquid necessary for the uncooked pasta to cook thoroughly. It also helps to thin the pasta sauce just enough to achieve that desirable silky texture without being watery.
• Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens for ultimate creaminess. Heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture and balances the inherent acidity of the tomato sauce, making the dish incredibly indulgent.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of aromatic dried herbs, typically including basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It effortlessly enhances the overall Mediterranean-inspired flavor of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a mellow, warm garlic depth without the need for mincing fresh cloves, ensuring a consistent and subtle flavor throughout.
• Dried Minced Onion: Adds a pleasant hint of onion flavor, softening beautifully during baking. It’s a fantastic shortcut for those who prefer to skip chopping fresh onions or want a less pungent onion flavor. Onion powder can be substituted if preferred.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that brightens and brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients, especially the pasta and tomato sauce.
• Black Pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle warmth and a mild, pleasant kick to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Crucial for that iconic, irresistible gooey and stretchy cheese pull that makes every forkful so satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a distinct salty, nutty, and umami-rich sharpness that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and mild mozzarella, elevating the overall cheese profile.
• Ricotta Cheese: Stirred in towards the end of baking, ricotta provides pockets of creamy, slightly tangy contrast that cut through the richness of the tomato sauce, adding a delightful texture.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): A vibrant finishing touch. Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped and sprinkled before serving, add a pop of color and a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note that brightens the entire dish.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare No-Boil Baked Penne Pasta

Achieving this cheesy, comforting pasta bake is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect one-pan dinner:

• Step One: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
  Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with extra virgin olive oil. This simple step ensures your pasta bake won’t stick and makes for easier serving and cleanup.
• Step Two: Combine the Ingredients
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, your chosen pasta sauce, water, luxurious heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce mixture and everything is well incorporated. This ensures consistent flavor and even cooking.
• Step Three: Bake the Covered Pasta
  Pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil – this creates a steaming environment that allows the pasta to cook perfectly without drying out. Bake for 45 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and check the pasta’s firmness. If it’s still a bit too hard for your liking, recover and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.

• Step Four: Add the Cheesy Goodness
  Once the pasta is tender, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Stir in the creamy ricotta cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the pasta mixture. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface of the pasta, creating a delightful cheesy crust.
• Step Five: Melt and Brown the Cheese
  Return the baking dish to the oven, now uncovered. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and has achieved a lovely golden-brown hue. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
• Step Six: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
  Allow the baked penne to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes for easier, cleaner serving. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil, if desired, for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly delicious, fuss-free meal!

What to Serve With Your Baked Penne

This hearty No-Boil Baked Penne is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

• Crispy Garlic Bread: A classic pairing for any pasta dish. A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that luscious tomato and cheese sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, try a version sprinkled with a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
• Fresh Side Salad: To balance the richness of the pasta, a crisp, vibrant green salad is an excellent choice. A simple arugula salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad, provides a refreshing contrast and adds essential greens to your meal.
• Sautéed Greens: For a healthier and flavorful side, quickly sautéed vegetables like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard with a hint of garlic and olive oil make a wonderful addition. They offer a touch of bitterness that complements the creamy pasta.
• Classic Italian Meatballs: If you’re looking to add a protein boost, homemade or store-bought Italian meatballs, whether made with beef, pork, or even turkey, pair beautifully with the robust flavors of this baked penne. They can be simmered in extra marinara sauce and served alongside.
• Antipasto Platter: For a more elaborate spread, a small antipasto platter featuring marinated olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and a selection of cured meats like salami or prosciutto makes a fantastic appetizer before the main event.

Creative Variations and Easy Substitutions

One of the many charms of this No-Boil Baked Penne recipe is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations and substitutions to perfectly suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand:

• Experiment with Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is excellent, don’t hesitate to use other similar-sized, sturdy pasta shapes if you don’t have penne. Rigatoni, ziti, or rotini would all work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures while still holding up well in the bake. A baked ziti would also be absolutely delicious, if you can find ziti noodles!
• Swap Out the Ricotta: If ricotta isn’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for an alternative, cottage cheese can provide a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier note. For an even richer, more decadent dish, mascarpone cheese makes an excellent substitute. You could also stir in small cubes of cream cheese for pockets of creamy delight.
• Turn Up the Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce will add a pleasant kick. Alternatively, you could use a spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce for a more pronounced heat.
• Explore Other Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, don’t limit yourself! Provolone cheese can be layered in for a gooier, slightly sharper flavor, or try fontina for a nutty, semi-soft addition that melts beautifully. A touch of smoked gouda could also add an intriguing depth.
• Boost with Protein: To transform this into an even heartier main course, easily add cooked protein. Browned Italian sausage (mild or spicy), lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be stirred into the pasta mixture before baking.
• Make it Veggie-Packed: Sneak in extra vegetables for added nutrients and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (it will wilt down during baking), bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers can be mixed into the sauce. For heartier veggies, pre-cook them slightly before adding.
• Opt for a Lighter Version: If you’re conscious about calories or fat, you can lighten up the dish without sacrificing much flavor. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheeses.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Just substitute regular penne pasta with your favorite brand of gluten-free penne. Always double-check that your chosen pasta sauce is also certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: For those with dairy sensitivities or following a vegan diet, this recipe can still be enjoyed! Use a plant-based heavy cream substitute, dairy-free ricotta, and vegan mozzarella shreds. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and cheesy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This No-Boil Baked Penne is not only delicious freshly made but also excellent for enjoying later. Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain tasty and safe:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow any leftover baked penne to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. When properly stored in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Individual Portions: For quick reheating, individual servings can be warmed in the microwave. To prevent the pasta from drying out, add a splash of water or a little extra pasta sauce before heating. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through.
• Reheating Larger Portions in the Oven: To reheat a larger quantity, place the pasta back into a baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through to your satisfaction.
• Freezing for Future Meals: This pasta bake freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Store the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, if freezing the entire casserole, wrap the dish tightly first in plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: For the best results when reheating from frozen, it’s recommended to thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until hot. If you’re reheating directly from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, keeping it covered with foil for the majority of the baking time, then uncovering for the last 10 minutes to ensure the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Top Tips and Tricks for Perfect No-Boil Baked Penne

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few expert tips can ensure your No-Boil Baked Penne turns out perfectly every single time:

• Opt for a Deep Baking Dish: The pasta will expand significantly as it absorbs the liquid and cooks in the oven. Using a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish is crucial to provide ample room and prevent any messy overflows during baking.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Before baking, take the time to really combine all the ingredients in your bowl. Ensure every piece of uncooked pasta is well-coated with sauce. This guarantees even cooking and that every bite is packed with consistent flavor.
• Seal Tightly with Foil: A tight seal is your best friend in this no-boil method. Covering the dish securely with aluminum foil traps the steam inside, creating a moist environment that allows the pasta to cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Always Check for Doneness: Pasta brands and even oven calibrations can vary. After the initial 45 minutes of baking, gently poke a piece of pasta to check its tenderness. If it’s still a bit too firm for your preference, cover it again and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. It’s better to add a little more time than to end up with undercooked pasta.
• Allow for Resting Time: Patience is key after baking! Letting the dish rest for at least 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven allows the sauce to further thicken and settle, preventing it from being too watery and making it much easier to portion and serve.
• For an Extra Crispy Cheese Topping: If you adore a beautifully golden, slightly crispy cheese crust, consider a quick broil. After the initial uncovered baking period, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch it very closely, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash!
• Customize the Flavor Profile: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce mixture before it goes into the oven. Adjust seasonings as needed – a touch more garlic powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a small splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance and deepen the flavors to your liking.
• Prepare Ahead for Convenience: This recipe is excellent for make-ahead meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial covered baking time.

More Delicious Pasta Bakes to Try

If you love the ease and comfort of this No-Boil Baked Penne, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic pasta bake recipes:

• Christmas Lasagna
• Tortellini Casserole
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Spaghetti Casserole

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes. Your feedback is always appreciated!

No-Boil Baked Penne

Created by
Stacie Vaughan

Servings
6

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes

This easy No-Boil Baked Penne is a cheesy, one-pan pasta dinner with no extra pots required! Just mix, bake, and enjoy a creamy, comforting meal.

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Share

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups penne uncooked
• 3 cups pasta sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried minced onion
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• chopped fresh basil for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with extra virgin olive oil.
2. Add the uncooked penne, pasta sauce, water, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Stir together to combine.
3. Add the mixture to the 9×13-inch baking dish. Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. If the pasta is still too firm, add another 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the aluminum foil and stir in the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 658kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 67g
|

Protein: 26g
|

Fat: 32g
|

Saturated Fat: 18g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
|

Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
|

Cholesterol: 95mg
|

Sodium: 1152mg
|

Potassium: 664mg
|

Fiber: 4g
|

Sugar: 8g
|

Vitamin A: 1565IU
|

Vitamin C: 9mg
|

Calcium: 370mg
|

Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course Casseroles

Cuisine American

Keyword penne, baked penne, no-boil pasta, pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.

Share on Facebook
Pin Recipe

Want Even More Recipes?

Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.