Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente penne pasta baked in a smoky, slow-roasted tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes blends penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tomatoes burst and caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  3. Step 3: Transfer roasted tomatoes and their juices to a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and stir well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta and half of 8 oz shredded mozzarella to the tomato mixture, tossing gently to combine. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Pour pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated parmesan over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

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 Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce 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.

Is Rustic Italian Oven-Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes