No-Boil Baked Penne

No-Boil Baked Penne is one of those magical recipes that makes you wonder why you ever bothered boiling pasta separately. Everything bakes together in one dish, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce while the oven does the work. No extra pots, no draining—just an easy, cheesy, comforting meal that practically makes itself.

This recipe is a busy cook’s dream. You mix everything right in the baking dish—yes, even the uncooked pasta! After a hands-off bake in the oven, you’ll stir in creamy ricotta and top it with plenty of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. The result? A hearty, restaurant-worthy pasta bake with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving some cozy comfort food, this No-Boil Baked Penne is about to become your new go-to dinner. If you like Baked Ziti, you’ll enjoy this penne pasta bake. The only difference is that it uses penne instead of ziti!

My favorite part is that I don’t have to cook the pasta! It goes in uncooked and comes out tender and perfect. During my recipe testing, I found that the penne needed 45 minutes to cook. I checked it at 30 minutes, and it was still quite hard. That said, everyone has a different oven, so if you are concerned, you can check the pasta’s firmness periodically.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Boiling Required: Skip the extra step! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal. Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Super Creamy & Cheesy: With ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is packed with melty, cheesy goodness.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Just mix, cover, and bake! It’s an easy, hands-off dinner with minimal prep time for those hectic evenings.
• Customizable: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or extra veggies to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day (if there’s any left!).

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Greases the baking dish to prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to the pasta. You could also use butter.
• Penne Pasta: No need to cook it first! The pasta absorbs the sauce as it bakes, creating a perfectly tender texture.
• Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or marinara sauce for a personalized touch. A thicker sauce will give a richer consistency. If you have homemade spaghetti sauce, use it!
• Water: Helps the pasta cook evenly while thinning out the sauce just enough to create a silky texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and makes the dish extra indulgent.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme enhances the overall flavor effortlessly.
• Garlic Powder: Gives the dish a mellow, garlicky depth without the need for mincing fresh garlic.
• Dried Minced Onion: Adds a touch of onion flavor and softens as it bakes—perfect for those who don’t love chopping onions. You could also use onion powder.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors of all the ingredients, especially the pasta and sauce.
• Black Pepper: A little goes a long way in adding warmth and a mild kick.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer that makes every bite satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness that complements the creamy ricotta and mozzarella.
• Ricotta Cheese: Stirred in at the end for a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet finish to the dish—best added right before serving.

How to Make No-Boil Baked Penne Pasta

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with extra virgin olive oil.
• Step Two: Add the uncooked penne, pasta sauce, water, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Stir together to combine.
• Step Three: Add the mixture to the 9×13-inch baking dish. Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. If the pasta is too firm, add another 5 to 10 minutes.

• Step Four: Remove the aluminum foil and stir in the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
• Step Five: Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Step Six: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

What to Serve With It

• Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Try making it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta. Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works great.
• Sautéed Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil make a simple yet flavorful side.
• Meatballs: If you want to add protein, classic Italian meatballs or even turkey meatballs pair beautifully with this dish.
• Antipasto Platter: A small platter of olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats makes a great appetizer before serving the baked penne.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use a Different Pasta: No penne? Try rigatoni, ziti, or rotini—just stick to similar-sized pasta shapes for even cooking. Baked ziti would be yummy, too! Ziti noodles are impossible to find in Canada, though…
• Swap the Ricotta: Not a fan of ricotta? Use cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture or mascarpone for a richer twist. You could also use chunks of cream cheese sprinkled throughout instead.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little heat.
• Try a Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a gooier, slightly sharper flavor.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, lean ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish.
• Go Veggie-Packed: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim cheeses to cut down on fat without sacrificing creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne and check that your sauce is gluten-free, too.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based heavy cream, dairy-free ricotta, and vegan mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy dish without the dairy.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Let the baked penne cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the pasta from drying out. To reheat a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, covered with foil. If reheating straight from frozen, bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, covering with foil for most of the time and uncovering for the last 10 minutes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use a Deep Baking Dish: The pasta needs room to expand as it absorbs the liquid. A 9×13-inch dish works best to prevent overflow.
• Stir the Ingredients Well: Mixing everything thoroughly before baking ensures even cooking and flavor in every bite. 
• Cover Tightly with Foil: This traps the steam inside, helping the pasta cook evenly without drying out. Make sure the foil is sealed well around the edges.
• Check for Doneness: Pasta brands vary, so if the penne is still a little firm after 45 minutes, add 5-10 more minutes before stirring in the ricotta.
• Give It Some Resting Time: Letting the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
• For Extra Crispy Cheese: If you love a golden-brown cheese topping, broil the pasta for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep an eye on it!
• Customize the Flavor: Taste your sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavors.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble everything in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Pasta Bakes

• Christmas Lasagna
• Tortellini Casserole
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Spaghetti Casserole

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