This recipe is one you’ll have on repeat, and your kids will love it. It can be make ahead of time and is freezer-friendly which makes it one of hose dinners that just works for real life. Honestly, this is the creamiest baked penne, trust me on this.

There are two reasons for this. First, a full block of cram cheese gets melted right into the sauce, making it incredibly rich and smooth before it even goes into the oven. Second, the sausage. Use any kind you like, mild, hot, sweet, pork, or turkey, it all adds so much flavor. This combination of beef and sausage is actually inspired by the meat blend I use in my lasagna which is another family favorite around here.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• Creamy, cheesy and filling
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Perfect for leftovers
• Freezes easly

Ingredient list

• 12 ounces Penne or Rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground sausage
• 24 ounce jar marinara sauce (Rao’s is my favorite for this recipe)
• 1 block/8 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella

Tips for baking

• Let the cream cheese soften for easier mixing
• Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce

Variations

• Swap out meat options – pork vs Italian sausage or you can use all beef
• Add veggies – spinach or mushrooms would be good
• Switch out pasta

Final thoughts

This is one of those recipes that’s easy to come back to again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and always a family favorite.

Yield: 4 -6 servings

The Creamiest Baked Penne

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A cozy, crowd pleasing weeknight bake with a creamy dolloped cream cheese top that melts right into the sauce. Five ingredients, one pan dinner, done!

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 jar of marinara sauce (I like RAO's)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, divided
• 8 ounces mozzarella, divided
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook 12 ounces of Penne or Rigatoni in salted, boiling water.- cook until just underdone. It will finish cooking in the oven.
2. Brown beef and sausage in your favorite skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt & pepper.
3. Add one jar of RAO's or your favorite red sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Add 8 ounces cream cheese divided into chunks and stir until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into a greased 9X12 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the cream cheese dollops have melted into the top.
6. Allow to stand for a few minutes prior to serving.

Notes

You can use whatever marinara sauce you have on hand and all beef if you'd like. This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time and can be refrigerated for up to 2 days prior to baking. It's also FREEZER friendly!