Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

CHEESY BAKED PENNE | CHEESY BAKED MACARONI | HOW TO MAKE BAKED PENNE PASTA | Haix Food Channel

Login to Save
12K views👍 74
Haix Food Channel
Haix Food Channel
1 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Haix Food Channel to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

2 recipes

Cheesy Baked Penne, also known as Baked Ziti, has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. This comforting dish features pasta baked with a rich blend of cheeses and marinara sauce, showcasing the Italian tradition of layering flavors. Today, it has become a beloved staple across the United States, with countless variations incorporating different meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • penne pasta
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • parmesan cheese
  • egg
  • marinara sauce
  • garlic
  • onion
  • olive oil
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  4. 4In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. 5Add marinara sauce to the pasta and stir until evenly coated.
  6. 6Fold in the ricotta mixture until combined.
  7. 7Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. 8Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer.
  9. 9Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  10. 10Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
  11. 11Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  12. 12Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  13. 13Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  14. 14Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese provides a similar texture with fewer calories.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone can be more affordable while still offering good melt.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Pecorino is often less expensive and provides a similar flavor.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is usually less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Techniques

boilingmixingbaking

Equipment

large potbaking dishmixing bowlcolanderaluminum foil
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Baked ZitiPasta al Forno

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
  4. 4Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
  5. 5Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika to the sauce. Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  6. 6Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
  7. 7Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
  8. 8Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

large potsaucepanwhiskbaking dishmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

Similar Italian-American Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(16 videos)