Description
A delicious and cheesy penne pasta bake made with ground beef, Alfredo sauce, and plenty of cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook for one minute less than package instructions indicate for al dente.
- Meanwhile, add the ground beef to an oven-safe skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, until browned. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a little salt & pepper, and cook for about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then add the Alfredo sauce and half the mozzarella to the skillet.
- Drain the penne and add it straight to the skillet while it’s nice and hot. Toss well, then spread it in an even layer.
- Top with the parmesan and remaining mozzarella, and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil if desired to brown the cheese.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg