Baked Penne Pasta Casserole: A Family Favorite

Baked Penne Pasta Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or bringing comfort to a friend in need. This easy-to-make dish is packed with hearty pasta, rich meat sauce, and layers of melty cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Want a pasta casserole with creamy white sauce? Try this rich and delicious Spinach Dip Pasta for a twist on comfort food.

Made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of creamy cheese, this recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Italian dinner into one delicious casserole. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and it travels well if you’re dropping it off to brighten someone’s day.

While you can use ground beef or sausage in this baked penne pasta casserole, we love the added richness and flavor that sausage brings. It adds a savory depth that takes this dish over the top and makes it a standout among comfort food recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Pasta Casserole:

• 16 ounces dry penne or ziti pasta
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
• 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced (about 9 round slices)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Equipment:

• Stockpot
• Non-stick skillet
• Slotted wooden or bamboo spoon
• Dry ingredient measuring cups
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Sharp knife

How to Make Baked Penne Pasta Casserole

1. Cook the Pasta and sausage or Ground Beef

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the chopped onion and ground beef over medium heat. If you prefer, you can use Italian sausage instead for a more robust flavor. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess grease, then add the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
• Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
• Place the provolone cheese slices over the pasta and spread the sour cream evenly on top.
• Add the remaining pasta, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over it.
• Pour the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella, then finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top.Add as much cheese as you like.
  

Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Delicious: Uses everyday ingredients for a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Meal Trains: Ideal for sharing with a friend in need.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

This baked penne pasta casserole is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Whether you’re delivering a meal to someone going through a tough time or just need a comforting dish for dinner, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to the table.

Lightening someone’s load and showing support can be as simple as making a warm, delicious meal. With these easy meal recipes and thoughtful care tips, you can easily bring comfort.

More Pasta Casseroles to Enjoy

Looking for more comforting casseroles to feed your family—or share with a friend? These tried-and-true pasta bakes are perfect:

• Chicken Spaghetti – This no-canned-soup casserole is cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor.
• Chicken Tetrazzini – Canned soup gives this creamy chicken casserole a quick and easy head start.
• Baked Tortellini Casserole – Prepared tortellini make this cheesy pasta bake a fast family favorite.
• Baked Spaghetti – This classic casserole includes a secret ingredient for an extra-creamy, flavor-packed twist.