A creamy, cheesy baked penne dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with hearty flavors and an irresistible blend of pasta, sauce, and cheese, this recipe is a must-try.
1/2poundlean ground beefseasoned with salt and pepper
1jar24 ounces spaghetti sauce
2teaspoonsItalian seasoning
1/4cupyellow onionchopped
6ounceschive and onion cream cheesedivided
1cupmozzarella cheeseshredded, divided
1/2poundpenne pastacooked (8 ounces)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large, non-stick skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Combine the spaghetti sauce, 4 ounces of the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese in the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well blended, about 5 minutes. Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Dot the remaining cream cheese across the surface and evenly distribute the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.