In search of a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that everyone will love? Look no further than this incredibly easy, exceptionally cheesy, and delightfully hearty Penne and Mozzarella Casserole. This comforting dish comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a splendid centerpiece for a Meatless Monday dinner. What makes it even better? The sauce requires no cooking – simply stir in a blend of aromatic spices, and you're well on your way to a perfect pasta bake.
Embracing the Meatless Marvel: A Casserole for Everyone
Just last week, after sharing my recipe for 30 Minute Pea Soup, I received a rather memorable email from a reader named Gary. His message was straightforward: "I like recipes with meat not without meat." Fair enough, I thought. I promptly sent him a selection of my most popular meaty recipes, including dishes like this mouth-watering Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork, a comforting Beef Barley Soup, and the flavorful Asian Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Glaze. I reassured him that I, too, appreciate a good meat dish. However, as fate would have it, today’s star recipe is, once again, gloriously meatless.
To Gary, my sincerest apologies for this temporary deviation from your "meatatarian" preferences. But I promise, this isn't a trick. This Penne and Mozzarella Casserole is so profoundly satisfying and robust that you won’t even miss the meat. It delivers a hearty, deeply flavorful experience, packed with rich tomato sauce and an abundance of melty, fresh mozzarella. It's a testament to how incredible vegetarian meals can be, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients combine to create the most unforgettable dishes.
The Genesis of an Extra Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake
The inspiration for this recipe struck last week when my best friend, Sarah, dropped off her kids at my place (I was watching them while she and her husband enjoyed a well-deserved vacation in Sweden). Along with her children, she delivered an unexpected culinary masterpiece: an ultra-cheesy pasta casserole. From the very first bite, I was hooked. I kept digging my fork through the pasta, searching for a hidden sausage or some other savory meat, convinced there had to be something more than just pasta and sauce to make it so unbelievably delicious. But I found nothing but pure, unadulterated cheesy, saucy goodness.
Naturally, upon Sarah's return, I immediately requested the recipe. Her response, delivered via text, included a crucial instruction: "Grate an entire Costco 2-pack of fresh mozzarella." I had to double-check. "You mean both logs of cheese? Not just one?" Her emphatic "Yes, yes I did" confirmed my suspicions. She explained that she had thrown the recipe together in a last-minute effort to use up a 2-pound package of fresh mozzarella she had bought at Costco, wanting to prevent it from spoiling while they were away. That, my friends, is how you roll, Sarah! This serendipitous culinary decision led to a casserole so decadent and satisfying, it deserved to be shared with the world.
The Secret to Supreme Cheesiness: Fresh Mozzarella
Sarah's unconventional approach to using an entire Costco pack of fresh mozzarella is truly what elevates this dish from a simple pasta bake to an "Extra Cheesy" Penne and Mozzarella Casserole. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, creating those irresistible, long, gooey cheese pulls we all adore. Unlike pre-shredded varieties, fresh mozzarella doesn't contain anti-caking agents, meaning it melts into a perfectly smooth, creamy layer that blankets every piece of penne pasta. This commitment to cheese is precisely why this recipe is so exceptional, and why it appeals even to the most dedicated "meatatarians."
And for those wondering about my enduring friendship with Sarah: this level of dedication to food doesn't surprise me. Sarah and I were freshman roommates, and honestly, we didn't initially click. My opinion, however, quickly changed when I witnessed her breakfast habits at the dining center every morning. Girl could truly pack it down. From that moment, I knew we were destined to be great friends.
Why This Penne Casserole is Your Next Weeknight Hero
Beyond its incredible cheesiness, this Penne and Mozzarella Casserole boasts several qualities that make it a standout dish:
- Effortless Preparation: With a no-cook sauce, you save significant time and effort. Just combine the ingredients, and the oven does the rest.
- Speedy Cook Time: From start to finish, you're looking at under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Despite being meatless, the combination of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and abundant cheese ensures a filling meal that leaves you completely satisfied.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adaptable to your tastes. Want more veggies? Add them! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its comforting flavors and gooey texture appeal to both kids and adults, even those who claim to be "meatatarians."
So, dear Gary, while I maintain that this casserole truly doesn't need meat, if you simply can't resist, feel free to brown some Italian sausage and stir it in. But I truly believe you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how robust and satisfying this vegetarian version is. It’s a genuinely hearty casserole that stands on its own.
(Also, a quick note for the recipe below: I’ve scaled back Sarah’s original 2 pounds of cheese slightly, opting for 1 and 1/2 pounds. This is largely because I’d like to live long enough to see my grandkids, you know. But for those like Gary, who are true cheese enthusiasts, feel free to use the full 2 pounds for an even more indulgent experience!)
A little tip from my own experience: I stirred the sauce directly in the casserole dish, which resulted in some charmingly (or perhaps annoyingly, depending on your perspective) burned sauce on the edges. If you prefer a cleaner dish, simply combine all your sauce ingredients in a large bowl first, then add the cooked pasta and mix before transferring everything to your casserole dish. It's a small step that can make a big difference in presentation.
If you decide to make this or any of my other recipes, please share your creations on Instagram using the hashtag #TheFoodCharlatan so I can see it! I absolutely love seeing what you all cook up.
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Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out these past favorites:
Three years ago: Deep Dish Buttermilk Pancake (read about the time I let my kids roll away in a cart at Costco!)
Four years ago: French Onion Soup
Five years ago: Irish Soda Bread with Browned Butter
Extra Cheesy Penne and Mozzarella Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup basil pesto*
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon pepper flakes
- 1 & 1/2 pounds mozzarella, fresh*
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
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In a 3 quart pot or larger, add a few quarts of water and salt until it tastes like seawater (I usually add about 1 tablespoon.)
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Bring to a boil, then add the penne and cook until al dente; check the package for times and check early. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
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When the pasta is done, drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking. (Or if the sauce is all ready to go, just dump it in.)
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Meanwhile, spray the edges of a 9x13 inch casserole dish (or any shape dish that hold 3 quarts) with nonstick spray.
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Add the can of crushed tomatoes to the casserole dish. Add the pesto, sugar, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir together.
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Stir in the pasta.
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Shred one pound of mozzarella. Stir into the pasta.
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Shred or slice the remaining 1/2 lb mozzarella and sprinkle/arrange on top of the casserole.
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Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
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Optional: if you like brown spots on your cheese broil for 1-2 minutes. Move the dish higher up toward the flame.
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Serve with a big salad and some French bread.
Notes
Nutrition
More Casserole Ideas You'll Love!
If you enjoyed this easy and comforting pasta bake, you'll definitely want to explore these other fantastic casserole recipes:
Easy Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna: This recipe is incredibly simple and has become a beloved family classic in many homes, including Eric's while growing up. It's the ultimate shortcut to a satisfying lasagna experience!
Tomato Basil Summer Veggie Casserole: Don't let the "summer" in the name fool you – this vibrant casserole is delightful any time of year! Feel free to substitute whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. It makes a truly generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
Easy Cheesy Asparagus Tortellini Bake: This recipe is a dream for ease! No need to pre-boil the tortellini – just toss it directly into the casserole with the other ingredients, bake, and enjoy a cheesy, veggie-packed meal.
More Cheesy Pasta Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings!
For those who can't get enough of cheesy pasta, here are some more delightful options from fellow food bloggers:
- Healthier Cheesy Baked Ziti from My Gluten Free Kitchen
- One Pot Penne Pasta with Tomato and Basil from The Little Kitchen
- Tomato Eggplant Zucchini Bake with Garlic and Parmesan from Well Plated
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