Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Bake Recipe – Quick, Cheesy & Family-Friendly
Tex-Mex Cheesy Penne Bake
An easy five-ingredient penne casserole with sharp cheddar, fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles, and a buttery finish—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne for 6 minutes—about 2 minutes shy of package directions—then drain thoroughly.
- Return pasta to the pot over low heat. Stir in butter until melted. Remove from heat and fold in 1¾ cups of the cheddar, drained tomatoes, sugar, and salt until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and tent with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tex-Mex Cheesy Penne Bake
Give your dinner lineup a kick with this buttery, five-ingredient pasta casserole. Sharp cheddar, zesty tomatoes with chiles, and a hint of sweetness come together in under an hour for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles, drained
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne for 6 minutes—about 2 minutes before al dente—then drain well.
- Return pasta to the pot on low heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Off the heat, mix in 1¾ cups cheddar, drained tomatoes, sugar, and salt until everything is coated.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before scooping and serving.
Chef’s Special Tip
For an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Stir in 1 cup cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken for added protein.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
