Penne Mozzarella

Penne Mozzarella is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish combines the best of classic Italian flavors in one simple recipe

. The penne pasta is coated in a flavorful homemade tomato sauce, layered with creamy mozzarella, and baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s an easy yet delicious meal that will satisfy any pasta lover!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Penne Mozzarella recipe for its irresistible combination of rich flavors and textures.

The creamy mozzarella melts perfectly over the al dente penne, creating a cheesy, comforting layer.

The homemade tomato sauce adds a tangy depth, while the crispy breadcrumb topping offers a satisfying crunch.

It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together the best elements of Italian comfort food—making it a hit with pasta lovers and anyone who enjoys a hearty, flavorful meal.

Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers!

Key Ingredients:

Olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic, providing a flavorful base.

Onion and garlic: Essential for building a savory flavor in the tomato sauce.

Canned tomatoes: Form the base of the fresh, tangy tomato sauce.

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Penne pasta: The perfect pasta for holding the delicious sauce and cheese.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the pasta and topping.

Mozzarella: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey layer.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.

Penne Mozzarella

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

800 g canned tomatoes (peeled, with juice)

1 pinch of sugar

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Herbs (optional, such as basil or oregano)

500 g penne pasta

50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

300 g mozzarella cheese

4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:

In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and sugar. Cook the mixture uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. After cooking, either pass the sauce through a sieve or blend it in a blender for a smoother consistency. If desired, add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions but only for half of the recommended time. Drain the pasta and set aside about 1 dl (1/2 cup) of the tomato sauce.

Assemble the Dish:

Mix the cooked pasta with the majority of the tomato sauce. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.

Prepare the Gratin:

Butter a gratin dish and layer in half of the pasta mixture. Cut the mozzarella into slices and spread them over the pasta. Drizzle the reserved tomato sauce over the mozzarella, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add the second half of the pasta mixture, and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.

Bake:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Bake the dish for about 7 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Serve the Penne Mozzarella hot, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

Notes:

Tomato Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the canned tomatoes or pass the sauce through a sieve to remove any large pieces of tomato skin or seeds. This creates a more refined texture.

Pasta Cooking Time: Cooking the penne for half the recommended time helps prevent it from becoming too soft when baked, giving it a firmer texture that holds up better with the sauce.

Cheese Variations: If you want a stronger cheese flavor, consider adding some provolone, gouda, or another sharp cheese along with or instead of mozzarella.

Herb Adjustments: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can be added to the sauce to elevate the flavor. Add them while cooking the tomato sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra fragrance.

Breadcrumb Topping: If you like a crunchier topping, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, or even toast them lightly in olive oil before sprinkling them over the pasta.

Make-Ahead Option: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to cover it well and bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to extend the baking time slightly if it’s chilled.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but it might alter the flavor a bit.

For a fresher, more personalized taste, it’s best to stick with canned tomatoes and add seasoning as desired.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time.

Just assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but make sure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (not made with animal rennet) if you prefer.

What can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use provolone, fontina, or any mild, melty cheese.

These cheeses will provide a similar creamy texture.

How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming too stringy in the oven?

To prevent the mozzarella from becoming overly stringy, make sure to use fresh mozzarella and not the pre-shredded kind, as it has additives that affect its texture.

Also, don’t over-bake the dish; just bake until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta for this recipe?

While it’s best to cook the pasta as directed in the recipe for optimal texture, you can use pre-cooked pasta.

Just reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes since the pasta is already cooked.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking.

You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a spicy Italian sausage to the pasta.

Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the sauce?

No, do not drain the canned tomatoes.

The juice from the tomatoes will help create a rich sauce. However, you can choose to pass the sauce through a sieve or blend it if you prefer a smoother texture.

Can I freeze Penne Mozzarella for later?

Yes, you can freeze Penne Mozzarella! Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it.

Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze.

When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen (you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes).