Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring penne tossed with sautéed spinach, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 3 cups marinara sauce and the drained penne pasta. Mix until pasta is fully coated.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Baked Penne with Spinach and Mozzarella?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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