Kitchies! There’s something so comforting about a pasta casserole bubbling with gooey cheese. This Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole brings together the best of Italian flavors in one glorious dish. Picture perfectly cooked penne coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and layered with a blanket of melted cheese—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace.
It’s the ultimate dish for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. A few pantry staples transform into a masterpiece, and the best part? You can assemble it ahead of time, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
When you pull this casserole out of the oven, the golden, bubbling cheese is irresistible. Serve it with a fresh salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about.
Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style
This Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole is everything you love about pasta, baked to perfection. Al dente penne is tossed in a savory tomato sauce, layered with gooey cheese, and baked until golden brown.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The rich flavors and cheesy topping will make this dish an instant favorite.
Exciting Story
One snowy evening, I made this casserole for the first time, and it instantly became a family favorite. My husband, who loves anything cheesy, couldn’t stop raving about it. Even my kids, who usually pick at their meals, had second helpings. Now, it’s our go-to comfort food when we need a little extra warmth and joy at the dinner table.
Why This Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole?
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Cuisine
Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne rigate pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine: Mix the cooked penne with the sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Assemble: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier casserole.
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne.
- Low Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles.
Make a Healthier Version
- Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.
- Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
- Reduce the cheese topping for fewer calories.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style
And there you have it—a cheesy, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Give this casserole a try, and don’t forget to pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. Let us know how it turns out, and check out our other comforting pasta recipes!
Categories
Dinner, Main Course, Casserole.
Tags
Comfort food, cheesy pasta, Italian-inspired, family-friendly, easy dinner.
FAQs
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What’s the best cheese to use? A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the best results.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
- What’s a good side dish? Garlic bread and a fresh green salad are perfect accompaniments.
CHEESY PENNE RIGATE CASSEROLE
Description
This Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole brings together the best of Italian flavors in one glorious dish.
Ingredients
- 1 package penne pasta 14-16 oz
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 oz, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tub ricotta cheese 15 oz
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot, cook your pasta according to the package instructions and set it aside.
In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup of mozzarella, shredded parmesan cheese, grated parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything.
Add the cooked pasta to a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Top it with 1/2 of the jar of pasta sauce and mix.
Layer the cheese mixture on top of the pasta mixture and bake it for 35-40 minutes.
Once that time is up, remove the dish from the oven. Spread the rest of the pasta sauce on top of the baked cheese.
Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta sauce.
Bake for another 8 – 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 322
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 21g