Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake

Side view of penne pasta bake topped with melted cheese in a glass pan with a spoonful scooped out and held toward the camera

Freezer-Friendly Penne Pasta Bake

Let go of the ordinary with the distinctive flavor of our delicious freezer-friendly Penne Pasta Bake! Traditional red sauce is replaced with a creamy combination of brown gravy, spaghetti sauce, and half & half and flavored with garlic, herbs, and cheese.

Servings per Recipe: 8 servings

Calories per Serving: 357

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 40

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef, browned
3 cloves garlic
¾ cup spaghetti sauce
¾ cup brown gravy
½ cup half and half
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
Cook 12 ounces penne pasta according to package directions.
While pasta is cooking, brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet and drain fat if needed.
In the same pan, sauté garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add ¾ cup spaghetti sauce, ¾ cup brown gravy, ½ cup half and half, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary, and salt and pepper to tasteSimmer for 10 minutes.
Add pasta and mix gently. Pour mixture into a baking dish prepared with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle the top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Notes

This pasta dish freezes well, so you may want to double the ingredients on your shopping list and make an extra pan for the freezer. Prepare your recipe for the freezer, but do not bake. Wrap with foil or freezer paper and label with "Penne Pasta Bake: Thaw and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes."

Nutrition