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23 Tomato Basil Baked Penne Recipes Packed with Flavor

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: October 16, 2024

They say the way to a person's heart is through their stomach, and boy, do I have a treat for you! If you're anything like me, you know that nothing screams comfort food more than a steaming plate of baked penne. Imagine it enriched with the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomato and basil—absolute heaven.

"23 Tomato Basil Baked Penne Recipes Packed with Flavor" will guide you through delightful variations that your family and friends will love. Let's dive in and explore these mouthwatering dishes, each bringing its own unique twist on a classic favorite.

Tomato Basil Baked Penne Recipes

1. Classic Tomato Basil Baked Penne

A timeless favorite, this dish combines penne, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  3. In a baking dish, mix the pasta with tomato sauce, basil, and half of the mozzarella.
  4. Top with the remaining cheese and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Add a luxurious twist by incorporating heavy cream for a richer flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook the pasta as per package directions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, heavy cream, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it's nicely bubbly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and dig in!

3. Spicy Tomato Basil Baked Penne

For those who love a bit of heat, this spicy version is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups spicy tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta per the package instructions.
  3. Combine pasta, spicy tomato sauce, basil, half the mozzarella, and red pepper flakes in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and crispy on top.
  6. Add salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy the fiery goodness!

4. Garlic Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Infuse some garlic into your penne for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne as directed and drain.
  3. Sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant.
  4. Mix the pasta with tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and half the mozzarella.
  5. Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until perfectly golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

5. Meat Lover’s Tomato Basil Baked Penne

For carnivores, adding ground beef or sausage takes it to the next level.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
  3. Cook penne according to package directions.
  4. In a baking dish, combine pasta, tomato sauce, meat, basil, and half of the mozzarella.
  5. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

6. Veggie Packed Tomato Basil Baked Penne

A healthier option loaded with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
  3. Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach until tender.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, vegetables, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy a bite of health!

7. Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Penne

For the cheese lovers, this recipe adds extra layers of creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, ricotta, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Indulge in the cheesy bliss!

8. Gluten-Free Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Dietary restrictions? No problem! This gluten-free version is just as delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound gluten-free penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook gluten-free penne as directed on the package.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!

9. Pesto Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Combine the classic flavors of basil pesto with tomato for a unique twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package directions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, pesto, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Savor the combination of flavors!

10. Caprese Style Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Inspired by the classic Italian salad, this dish includes fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, basil, and half of the fresh mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining fresh mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy a caprese delight!

11. Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Elevate your baked penne with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is golden.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

12. Spinach Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Add the goodness of spinach for a nutrient-packed meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package directions.
  3. Sauté spinach until wilted.
  4. Mix cooked pasta with tomato sauce, spinach, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

13. Chicken Tomato Basil Baked Penne

This protein-rich version includes tender chunks of chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package directions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, chicken, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and crispy on top.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy your hearty meal!

14. Shrimp Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this shrimp-infused version.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package directions.
  3. Sauté shrimp until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, shrimp, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this coastal delight!

15. Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness to this dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, roasted red peppers, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

16. Broccoli Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Sneak in some greens with broccoli for added nutrition.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package directions.
  3. Steam broccoli until slightly tender.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, broccoli, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the extra veggie boost!

17. White Bean Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Perfect for vegetarians, white beans add heartiness and protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne as per package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, white beans, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the wholesome flavors!

18. Mushroom Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with tomato and basil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package directions.
  3. Sauté mushrooms until tender.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, mushrooms, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the earthy richness!

19. Turkey Sausage Tomato Basil Baked Penne

A lean protein option that's incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 pound turkey sausage, cooked and sliced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
  3. Cook and slice the turkey sausage.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, turkey sausage, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the lean goodness!

20. Artichoke Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Artichokes add a unique texture and flavor to this dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, artichoke hearts, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this Mediterranean twist!

21. Eggplant Tomato Basil Baked Penne

For a more robust flavor, eggplant adds a delightful touch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 medium eggplant, cubed and roasted
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Roast eggplant cubes at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. Cook pasta as per package instructions.
  4. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy the hearty eggplant addition!

22. Ricotta Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Smooth ricotta delivers a creamy texture that's simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook penne according to package instructions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, ricotta, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Indulge in the creamy delight!

23. Margherita Tomato Basil Baked Penne

Inspired by the classic Margherita pizza, this dish includes tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta as per package directions.
  3. Mix pasta with tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, basil, and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy this pizza-inspired pasta!

Conclusion

I've had a blast sharing these 23 Tomato Basil Baked Penne recipes packed with flavor. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian dishes or looking to experiment with new ingredients, there's something here for everyone. What I love about these recipes is their versatility—simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

They genuinely offer a little bit of everything, from creamy textures to spicy kicks and even a touch of sweetness. I hope you found a few favorites that will become regulars in your meal rotation. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the warmth and comforting aroma of baked penne!

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
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