Penne Pasta Bake With Tomatoes and Mozzarella Cheese

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/7/22
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 6 servings

This simple penne pasta recipe includes garlic, tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. It's a simple dish to fix and bake, and it makes a fabulous everyday meal or potluck dish. Plus, it's meat-free. If you're looking for something simple to serve your vegetarian friends and family or you simply want a way to dress up plain pasta, this is an excellent choice. Or make it a vegan dish by using a dairy-free cheese replacement.

Easy Penne Pasta Bake With Tomatoes and Mozzarella
The Spruce

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces penne, or pasta of similar shape

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled, or about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, or 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Penne Pasta Bake ingredients
     The Spruce

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 F / 180 C / Gas 4.

  3. Butter a 2 1/2- to 3-quart shallow baking dish or casserole.

  4. Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water as directed on package; drain well and set aside.

  5. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, or until it is translucent. Add the garlic to the onion and continue cooking for 1 minute. 

    Penne Pasta Bake
     The Spruce

  6. Add the tomatoes, basil, and oregano to the onion and garlic. Cook until heated through, stirring frequently.

    Penne Pasta Bake
    The Spruce

  7. Taste and add salt and pepper.

  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked, drained penne, the tomato sauce mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

    Penne Pasta Bake
     The Spruce

  9. Stir to blend the ingredients thoroughly.

    Penne Pasta Bake
    The Spruce 

  10. Spoon the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared casserole.

    Penne Pasta Bake
     The Spruce

  11. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

    Penne Pasta Bake
    The Spruce

  12. Bake the casserole for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pasta is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted. 

    Penne Pasta Bake
     The Spruce

  13. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  • For a chunkier sauce, replace half of the crushed tomatoes with a 14.5-ounce can of Italian seasoned diced tomatoes.
  • Or add the diced tomatoes in addition to the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.

Recipe Variations

  • This dish can be a stand-alone meal or serve it along with a salad or a meat entree. Add some grilled or broiled chicken breasts, fish, or steaks.
  • Of course, you can adapt it with the addition of meat. Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce if you like, or add some diced cooked chicken to the tomato mixture.
  • Instead of all mozzarella cheese, consider half cheddar or a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone. You'll have the extra flavor, and it will still melt beautifully.
  • Mushrooms are another excellent option that will add texture and earthy flavor. Sauté a few ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms along with the onions.
  • The pasta is adaptable as well. Feel free to swap out the penne with elbow macaroni, ditalini, rigatoni, or ziti in the dish. 
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
280 Calories
9g Fat
38g Carbs
14g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 280
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 540mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 13mg 67%
Calcium 268mg 21%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 500mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)