Baked Penne with Meatballs and Mozzarella

Baked Penne with Meatballs and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and overflowing with rich Italian flavors. Tender penne pasta is tossed in savory tomato sauce, layered with juicy meatballs, and baked until bubbling under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese.

This dish brings together everything we love about classic Italian-American cooking: simple ingredients, generous portions, and deeply satisfying flavors.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, baked penne delivers restaurant-style comfort straight from your oven.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it:

• Combines pasta, meatballs, and cheese in one comforting dish
• Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully
• Is perfect for make-ahead and freezer meals
• Balances hearty flavors with comforting textures
• Feels nostalgic and celebratory at the same time

Every forkful is rich, cheesy, and comforting.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Crowd-pleasing family favorite
• Ideal for meal prep and freezing
• Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
• Customizable with different meats and sauces
• Comfort food at its best

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour
• Servings: 6

Calories: ~540–580 calories per serving (approx.)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Cooking Directions

• Prepare meatballs
• Cook pasta until al dente
• Assemble pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese
• Bake until bubbly and golden

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne until just al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently and form into small meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown meatballs on all sides until mostly cooked through.
3. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss cooked penne with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread half the pasta into a greased baking dish.
4. Add half the meatballs and mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers and finish with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread
• Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
• Great for family-style dining

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting
• Brown meatballs first for deeper flavor
• Let the dish rest before slicing
• Add extra sauce if you prefer a saucier bake

Variations

1. Cheesy Alfredo Version: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara
2. Spicy Baked Penne: Add crushed red pepper flakes
3. Chicken Meatballs: Swap beef for ground chicken
4. Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables
5. Three-Cheese Bake: Add ricotta or provolone

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked or baked pasta for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight and bake until heated through

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Baked Penne with Meatballs and Mozzarella is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings classic Italian-American flavors straight to your table. With tender pasta, savory meatballs, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this hearty bake is always a guaranteed hit.