This Penne Pasta recipe, like a lot of my dinner recipes is great, because you can make it ahead of time. I like to prep my dinners earlier in the day, so that when dinner time rolls around, I am ready.

It’s nice because, I am too exhausted from chasing my 16 month old around all day, to then have to slave in the kitchen for an hour. OH NO! This way, I can easily pop dinner in the oven whenever we are getting hungry!

Make it your own!

You can alter this recipe to your or your family’s specific liking, by adding a different meat, or no meat. You can add provolone cheese or more cheese as well if you like it really cheesy.

My son, loves this dinner! I am not sure if it's because he actually likes the taste, or if its just more fun to play with!

I like to serve this recipe with garlic bread and sometimes a salad. You can also add zucchini to this as well. It's easy and delicious and great to eat after a long day!

My Tools

Here is a list of things, that I like to use, to makes this simple, yet delicious penne pasta!

Penne Pasta

Easy comfort food that you can make ahead and bake, for a quick and delicious dinner! Serve with some garlic bread!

  • 4-5 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 12-14 oz Pasta Sauce (Olive Oil, Basil, Garlic)
  • 1-2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 10 Meatballs

Optional Ingredients

  • Sour Cream
  • Provolone cheese

First start by boiling the pasta, don't fully cook (al dente), since it will be baked.


Prep and cook meat. I used pre-cooked meatballs so I just cut them into smaller pieces.


Layer your pan I used a 9x5 loaf pan. 1/2 the Noodles, Sauce, Meat, Cheese, and REPEAT until pan is full. Then Bake 350F for 30 min. You can make ahead and refrigerate and take out to bake when ready. I like to serve with garlic bread.


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