Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: an irresistible Cheesy Pasta Bake with juicy Tomatoes and creamy Havarti cheese. This beloved dish has been a perennial favorite in our home for nearly two decades, captivating hearts and taste buds with its simple yet profoundly satisfying flavors. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an easy, delicious entree that brings joy and warmth to the dinner table, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

This delightful Penne Pasta Recipe transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular experience. Al dente penne pasta is lovingly coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, then generously mixed with gooey Havarti cheese, savory black olives, and a fragrant blend of basil and red pepper flakes. The result is an out-of-the-ordinary meatless entree that offers a sophisticated twist on classic baked mac and cheese, promising a comforting and memorable dining experience for the whole family.

Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake with Havarti & Tomatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Why This Cheesy Pasta Bake Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

There are countless reasons why this particular pasta bake has earned its esteemed place as a staple in our culinary repertoire. From its incredible flavor profile to its sheer ease of preparation, this dish truly delivers on all fronts:

• A Delicious and Flavorful Meatless Marvel: This pasta bake proves that vegetarian meals can be incredibly satisfying and packed with robust flavors. The vibrant tomato sauce, combined with aromatic herbs and a touch of spice, creates a depth that will please even the most ardent meat-eaters. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without relying on meat, making it perfect for Meatless Mondays or any day you crave something wholesome and delicious.
• Unrivaled Gooeyness from Havarti Cheese: What truly sets this dish apart is the addition of Havarti cheese. This semi-soft Danish cheese is renowned for its creamy texture and excellent melting properties. When baked, it transforms into an incredibly gooey, wonderfully stretchy, and subtly buttery coating that envelops every single piece of penne, ensuring each bite is a pure delight. It elevates the entire dish, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that distinguishes it from other pasta bakes.
• Perfect for Lent and Year-Round Enjoyment: We especially appreciate this recipe during Lent, when we observe meatless Fridays. It provides a fulfilling and celebratory meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Beyond religious observances, its comforting nature makes it a perfect dish for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you need a little culinary hug. Its versatility ensures it fits seamlessly into any weekly meal plan.
• Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this pasta bake is surprisingly simple to put together. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a magnificent meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a testament to the fact that extraordinary flavors don’t always require extraordinary effort.

I distinctly remember the very first time I introduced this Baked Penne Pasta Recipe to my family, almost two decades ago. My husband, Bill, came home from work, following his usual routine of inquiring about dinner. When I enthusiastically shared the name of this new pasta dish, “Penne with Havarti,” a moment of silence ensued. He then cautiously asked, “Are you serving me fish???” It turned out his culinary vocabulary was about to expand significantly that day!

I gently explained that “Penne” refers to a tubular type of pasta, while “Havarti” is a wonderfully creamy Danish cheese. Neither, I assured him, had any connection to fish. Lesson learned! From that day forward, what started as a new experiment quickly blossomed into one of those cherished pasta dishes that became a regular, much-anticipated feature on our menu. This gooey, upscale mac and cheese is not only incredibly delicious and comforting but also universally adored by every member of our family. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture have cemented its place as a perennial favorite.

Crafting the Perfect Penne Pasta Bake: An Easy and Flavorful Journey

While my daughter Katie might often gravitate towards simpler pasta dishes like Kraft Deluxe or my Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, this specific Spicy Penne Pasta Recipe quickly captivated her heart and taste buds, becoming an undisputed family favorite, especially for our pasta-loving girl. She frequently requests this “spicy mac and cheese” for her birthday dinner, highlighting its special place in our family traditions. Furthermore, it reliably makes its rounds every Lent, serving as our go-to vegetarian pasta recipe during those meatless periods. As any home cook knows, Easy Pasta Recipes are a treasured convenience, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.

A Simple Philosophy for Amazing Pasta Bakes

Making outstanding easy pasta dishes, like our beloved penne pasta bake, follows a straightforward and effective formula that guarantees maximum flavor and perfect texture every time. It’s all about focusing on three core components:

1. First, make a truly flavorful sauce: The foundation of any great pasta dish is its sauce. For this spicy penne bake, we craft a vibrant and aromatic sauce from fresh tomatoes, savory onions, pungent garlic, fragrant basil, a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for warmth, and a touch of chicken broth to bring it all together. These are all easy-to-find ingredients that combine harmoniously to create a rich and deeply satisfying base.
2. Next, cook the pasta properly: Achieving the perfect al dente texture is crucial for baked pasta. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a full, rolling boil. Then, generously season the water with a good tablespoon or more of salt – it should taste briny like seawater, as this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s still firm to the bite and slightly undercooked (typically a minute or two less than package directions for regular pasta). This prevents it from becoming mushy when it finishes baking in the oven. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
3. Finally, mix in quality ingredients and bake: After draining the perfectly cooked pasta, it’s time to combine it with the rich sauce and other delightful additions. For this recipe, that includes the star, gooey Havarti cheese, and optional black olives. This is also where you can truly personalize your cheesy pasta bake: feel free to substitute Mozzarella for Havarti, or omit the olives if they’re not a family favorite. A sprinkle of real Parmesan cheese on top before baking adds another layer of savory depth and a beautiful golden crust.

Essential Tips for the Best Cheesy Pasta Bake

Elevating your cheesy pasta bake from good to extraordinary involves a few simple yet impactful considerations. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish is always a resounding success:

• Ingredient Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality canned whole tomatoes for a richer, sweeter sauce, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Good quality olive oil also makes a difference in the overall flavor of your sauce base.
• Embrace the Havarti: While substitutes work, Havarti truly is the secret to the incredibly gooey and creamy texture of this bake. Its mild, buttery flavor complements the tomato sauce beautifully without overpowering it.
• The Al Dente Rule is Gold: We can’t stress this enough – slightly undercooking your pasta is critical. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb moisture in the oven, and starting al dente ensures it remains firm and delightful, never mushy.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before mixing with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and especially red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Customize: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for personalization. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach for extra vegetables. For a bolder flavor, a dash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce can work wonders.
• Fresh Herbs for Garnish: While dried basil is used in the sauce, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil after baking not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pasta Bakes

What is a Pasta Bake?

A pasta bake, often referred to as a baked pasta or pasta casserole, is a versatile and comforting dish composed of cooked pasta, a flavorful sauce, and typically some form of cheese. These ingredients are combined and then baked in the oven until the dish is hot, bubbly, and often boasts a golden, melted cheese topping. It’s a wonderful way to create a hearty, satisfying meal that can feed a crowd and often tastes even better the next day.

Why Can Pasta Get Mushy?

Pasta can become mushy primarily due to overcooking, especially when baked. When your pasta sauce is too watery or if the pasta is cooked past the al dente stage before baking, it will absorb excess liquid during the oven cooking process. This absorption causes the starch granules to swell excessively, leading to a soft, undesirable texture. The key to preventing mushy pasta in a bake is to cook the pasta to a true al dente (slightly firm) before combining, and ensuring your sauce has a good, thick consistency so the pasta absorbs just enough liquid to become perfectly tender, not soggy.

How Do You Store Leftover Pasta Casserole?

Proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and prevent foodborne illness. First, ensure your pasta casserole does not sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours after baking. Once it has cooled sufficiently, either cover the entire casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer the leftover pasta into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to three days. For best results, reheat individual portions.

Can You Freeze Baked Pasta?

Yes, baked pasta with sauce can be frozen, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. However, it’s worth noting from experience that the pasta might become a little softer or slightly waterlogged upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, ensure your pasta has completely cooled. Then, cover it well with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to two weeks for optimal quality. To serve, reheat in a preheated oven in an oven-safe dish (covered with foil to prevent drying) or in the microwave until thoroughly hot.

What are Good Substitutes for Havarti Cheese?

If Havarti is unavailable or you wish to experiment with different flavors, several other cheeses make excellent substitutes in a pasta bake. Mozzarella is a classic choice, offering a mild flavor and fantastic melt. Monterey Jack is another great option, providing a similar semi-soft texture and subtle buttery notes. Fontina cheese, with its nutty and slightly stronger flavor, can also provide a wonderful gooey texture. For a tangier profile, even a mild white cheddar can work, though it might not achieve the same level of creaminess as Havarti.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to create a complete and satisfying dinner:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up any remaining delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini roasted with a little olive oil and garlic would complement the flavors well.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a lighter Sangiovese, or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio, would be excellent choices.

Discover More Delicious Meatless Recipes

If you’re always on the lookout for flavorful vegetarian options or simply wish to incorporate more meatless meals into your diet, here are some other fantastic recipes you might enjoy:

• Tortilla Pizzas with Roasted Red Peppers from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Chili Relleno Casserole
• Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Eggplant Rollatini
• Penne with Vodka Sauce
• Homemade Pizza Margarita
• More Meatless Recipes

The Cheesy Pasta Bake with Tomatoes and Havarti Recipe

The Recipe:

Cheesy Pasta Bake with Tomatoes and Havarti

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Yield
6 servings

A gooey, upscale mac and cheese with penne pasta and Havarti cheese!

Rating: 4.9 stars based on 49 reviews

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• ½-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 10 ounces Havarti cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the drained and chopped tomatoes, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is slightly reduced and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or salt to enhance the flavors.
4. While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a separate large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
5. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and immediately add it to the simmering tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Add the shredded Havarti cheese to the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss gently until the cheese is well combined and begins to melt, creating a gooey texture.
7. Pour the entire pasta mixture into a large, greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the sliced black olives.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta bake is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from “American Favorites” by Betty Rosbottom.

You may use Mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack instead of Havarti if desired for a different flavor profile or availability.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 494Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 1019mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 7gSugar: 12gProtein: 21g

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