Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne
Penne pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices and topped with melted cheese for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz penne pasta, cooking for 9 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped medium onion, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves in a large bowl, mixing gently to coat all the pasta.
- Step 5: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne?
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 Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne?
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 Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Tomato and Cheese Baked Penne?
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.
