22 Baked Penne Recipes Packed with Flavorful Twists

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? Look no further! I've curated a list of 22 Baked Penne Recipes Packed with Flavorful Twists, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty, warm, and utterly delicious.

From creamy casseroles to zesty Italian spiced dishes, these recipes will make your taste buds sing and leave you reaching for seconds.

Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these baked penne variations will bring joy to your kitchen. Grab your apron and let’s dive into these mouth-watering creations.

1. Classic Baked Penne

You can't go wrong with the classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix cooked penne with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese.
4. Transfer mixture into a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

2. Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Penne

Creamy Alfredo gets a delicious twist with baked penne and chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a pan, heat Alfredo sauce, garlic, and heavy cream until warmed through.
4. Mix cooked penne, shredded chicken, and sauce together.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

3. Spinach and Artichoke Baked Penne

A veggie-packed dish that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with spinach, artichokes, ricotta, and marinara sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Pepperoni Pizza Baked Penne

All the flavors of a pepperoni pizza in a pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 jar pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with pizza sauce, half the pepperoni, and half the mozzarella.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.

5. Vegetarian Baked Penne with Roasted Veggies

A hearty, healthy option packed with veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
4. Mix penne, roasted veggies, and marinara sauce together.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
6. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

6. Mexican Baked Penne

Spice things up with this Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with salsa, black beans, corn, and cumin.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

7. BBQ Chicken Baked Penne

A sweet and savory twist with barbecue flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

8. Buffalo Chicken Baked Penne

A perfect recipe for spice lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup chopped celery

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped celery for some crunch.

9. Four Cheese Baked Penne

Four types of cheese make this dish irresistibly creamy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream and all four cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Mix cheese sauce with cooked penne.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

10. Pesto Baked Penne

Bright and earthy pesto elevates this simple baked penne dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with pesto and cherry tomatoes.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

11. Sausage and Peppers Baked Penne

A hearty, meaty option bursting with Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 4 Italian sausages, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a pan, cook sausage slices until browned. Add bell peppers and sauté until tender.
4. Mix sausage and peppers with penne and marinara sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Greek Baked Penne

Mediterranean flavors in a robust baked pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 jar tomato sauce
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with tomato sauce, feta cheese, olives, spinach, and oregano.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

13. Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Baked Penne

A rich and creamy baked penne perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach until spinach wilts.
4. Mix cream sauce with penne.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Seafood Baked Penne

Indulge in this luxurious seafood pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup cooked shrimp
• 1 cup cooked scallops
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream and cheeses until melted.
4. Mix penne, shrimp, and scallops with cream sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

15. Creamy Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Fresh basil and creamy tomato sauce offer a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 jar tomato basil sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with tomato basil sauce and ricotta cheese.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil.

16. Zucchini and Ricotta Baked Penne

A fresh and light baked penne that’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with zucchinis, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

17. Bacon and Pea Baked Penne

A smoky, savory dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Mix penne with bacon, peas, and cream sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

18. Lemon Chicken Baked Penne

Bright and tangy, this dish is perfect for lemon lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream, lemon juice, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Mix penne with chicken and cream sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

19. Meatball Baked Penne

A hearty dish combining meatballs and penne for a comfort food classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 package frozen meatballs
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Mix penne with meatballs and marinara sauce.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

20. Eggplant Parmesan Baked Penne

A twist on a classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 large eggplant, sliced and baked
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Layer baked eggplant, penne, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
4. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of mozzarella.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

21. Broccoli and Cheddar Baked Penne

A cheesy, green, and delicious baked penne dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne and broccoli according to package instructions, drain.
3. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream and cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Mix penne and broccoli with cheese sauce.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

22. Ricotta and Mushroom Baked Penne

Earthy mushrooms and creamy ricotta make this dish irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne according to package instructions, drain.
3. Sauté mushrooms until golden.
4. Mix mushrooms, penne, ricotta, and marinara together.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Conclusion

There you have it – 22 Baked Penne Recipes Packed with Flavorful Twists to elevate your meals and impress your guests. From cheesy classics to veggie delights, each recipe brings something unique to the table. So, grab your favorite ingredients and get baking! Happy cooking!