Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delightful, Alfredo Baked Penne with Ricotta and Parmesan Crust is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. This rich, indulgent pasta bake features perfectly cooked penne smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce, layered with velvety ricotta, and topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust. Packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves the perfect blend of cheese and pasta.

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Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup sautéed spinach
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Penne

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the Alfredo sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and finish with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese. If using, sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes over the top for added flavor.

Step 6: Bake

10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

11. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

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COOKING Note:

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich.
• Feel free to customize the dish with add-ins like cooked chicken, bacon, or sautéed vegetables.
• If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make a great accompaniment for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy Alfredo flavors.

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Tips:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture in your Alfredo sauce.
• Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if starting from chilled.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 40 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 21g
• Sodium: 850mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

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Conclusion

Alfredo Baked Penne with Ricotta and Parmesan Crust is a heavenly dish that is rich, creamy, and full of comfort. It’s the perfect meal to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, and its customizable nature makes it ideal for picky eaters or creative chefs. With a luscious Alfredo sauce, creamy ricotta, and crispy, golden Parmesan crust, every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Try this recipe for a satisfying, indulgent meal that brings the best of Italian-inspired comfort food to your table.

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