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Cheesy Penne

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๐Ÿง€ Cheese Penne Pasta features a creamy sauce and simple ingredients that come together quickly for a delicious, comforting meal.
๐Ÿ This recipe offers a one-skillet solution perfect for busy weeknights, combining cheesy richness with hearty meat and pasta.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound lean ground beef for protein base

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 yellow onion, diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

6 to 8 garlic cloves

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree

1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes with seasonings, drained

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

3 cups water

12 ounces uncooked penne pasta for structure

1/2 cup heavy cream for creaminess

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground meat seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until browned. Add diced yellow onion and 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced, and cook until softened.

2-Add 1 chopped red bell pepper (optional) and 6 to 8 garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute. Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) drained fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, and dried herbs (1 1/2 teaspoons basil, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon parsley). Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3-Stir in 3 cups water and 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta. Cover and cook at a vigorous simmer for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally and replacing the lid, until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed. Taste frequently to avoid overcooking.

4-Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until combined.

5-Evenly top with 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese and place skillet under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden. Let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿณ Use a one-skillet method to minimize cleanup and speed preparation.
๐Ÿง€ Substitute or omit vegetables as desired to suit your taste.
โ„ Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and taste better the next day.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering and broiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8 grams
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 22 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 12 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Protein: 36 grams
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg