If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hassle-free dinner that feels like a warm hug, then this No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of juicy sausage, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich parmesan all mingling with perfectly tender pasta right out of the oven without the fuss of pre-cooking the noodles. It’s all done in one dish and delivers big on flavor and ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that gorgeous gooey goodness. From savory sausage to creamy cheeses and that no-boil magic with uncooked penne, every component works together perfectly.
- Sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth and a satisfying bite—cook and crumble for best results.
- Spaghetti sauce: Brings a robust tomato base packed with herbs and spices to tie every element together.
- Water: Essential for hydrating the uncooked penne during baking so the pasta turns out tender.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, luscious texture that balances the acidity of the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts beautifully on top and throughout the dish for that irresistible stringy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to elevate every bite.
- Uncooked penne pasta: The star ingredient you don’t need to boil first—cuts down prep time and cleanup.
How to Make No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF to get it nice and hot, which ensures everything cooks evenly. Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch casserole dish—this not only prevents sticking but also helps with easy clean-up afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your sausage until it’s no longer pink and completely cooked through. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks for perfect distribution in the pasta bake. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy result.
Step 3: Combine Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the spaghetti sauce, water, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, the cooked sausage, parmesan cheese, and the uncooked penne pasta. This is where the magic starts—since the pasta is uncooked, the added water ensures it absorbs enough moisture during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, which is key to cooking the pasta properly.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese
Bake covered for 55 minutes, allowing the pasta to soften and flavors to meld beautifully. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This final step gives you that wonderful cheesy crust that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the bake. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring just the right amount of heat if you love a little kick.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to cut through the creamy textures of the bake. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions individual-styled in small ramekins or layered in clear glass dishes to show off the vibrant layers. For a fun twist, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the mix before baking to amp up the flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and you’ve got a quick meal ready to go.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cool the pasta bake completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen safely for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350ºF until heated through and bubbly again. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave or oven warming will bring it back to life with ease.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them fully before combining with other ingredients.
Do I really not need to boil the pasta first?
That’s the beauty of this No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe! Because there’s enough liquid in the mix and the dish is covered during baking, the pasta cooks perfectly in the oven without any pre-boiling.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You might want to increase the amount of cheese or add some beans for extra protein.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended smooth, or even cream cheese for a different but still creamy texture. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the type of sausage and sauce you use. For a mild dish, choose sweet sausage and mild sauce. For extra spice, use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
This No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe truly feels like a hug in a dish—simple, comforting, and packed with cheesy, saucy goodness that everyone will love. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it fits so perfectly into a busy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new family favorite!
Print
No Boil Penne Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This No Boil Penne Pasta Bake is an easy and comforting casserole loaded with sausage, ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It requires no pre-cooking of the pasta, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option with a cheesy, baked finish.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups water
Cheeses and Pasta
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the bake from being greasy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, water, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cooked sausage, parmesan cheese, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 55 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook in the sauce and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for sausage for a lighter option.
- Adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil can enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
