Easy No-Boil Baked Penne

This no-boil baked penne has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine by eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. The magic happens when uncooked pasta absorbs the perfect blend of sauce and seasonings while baking, creating a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this technique during a particularly chaotic week when I needed to feed my family but had zero energy for complicated cooking. Now it's requested at least twice a month, especially when we have unexpected dinner guests.

Ingredients

• Uncooked penne pasta: forms the backbone of this dish and absorbs all the wonderful flavors while baking
• Pasta sauce: choose a high quality jar for the best flavor foundation
• Heavy cream: creates that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish so comforting
• Italian seasoning blend: saves time while adding complex herb notes
• Three cheese blend: mozzarella adds that perfect cheese pull, ricotta creates creaminess, and Parmesan brings the salty finish
• Aromatic seasonings: garlic powder, dried minced onion, and Italian herbs infuse flavor without any chopping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil ensuring every corner is coated to prevent sticking. This simple step is crucial for easy serving later.

Mix the Base:

Combine uncooked penne pasta, sauce, water, heavy cream, and all seasonings in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every pasta piece is coated with the liquid mixture. The pasta will look very soupy at this point which is exactly what you want.

Initial Bake:

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. The tight seal is essential here as it traps steam allowing the pasta to cook properly. Bake for 45 minutes undisturbed.

Check Pasta Doneness:

After the initial bake time, remove foil and test a pasta piece for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If still firm, return to oven covered for additional 5 to 10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente perfection.

Add the Cheese Layer:

Stir in ricotta cheese throughout the hot pasta to create pockets of creamy goodness. Then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top creating that classic Italian casserole appearance.

Final Bake:

Return to oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and developing golden spots. Those slightly browned cheese areas will provide texture contrast and concentrated flavor.

Pin it

I particularly love using San Marzano tomato sauce in this recipe when I can find it. The depth of flavor these special tomatoes provide elevates a simple weeknight dish to something that tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother's kitchen. My family knows when I use the "good sauce" because they always ask for seconds.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this no-boil pasta bake lies in its flexibility. Try swapping the penne for rigatoni or ziti which hold up equally well during baking. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use arrabbiata sauce instead of regular marinara. My teenage son loves when I add pepperoni slices to the top during the final bake for a pizza-inspired twist.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. When reheating individual portions, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the pasta before microwaving to revive the sauce's creaminess. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare this dish entirely the night before through step 3, stopping before adding the cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then proceed with baking. You may need to add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the initial baking time since the ingredients will be cold.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent companion for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce. For a complete Italian feast, consider serving small portions as a first course before a simple protein like roasted chicken or grilled fish.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta types like rigatoni or ziti, but adjust the cooking time if necessary.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the dish may be slightly less rich.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours in advance, cover tightly, and bake when ready to serve.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Be sure to tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking stage to keep the pasta from drying out or overcooking.