Marinara Ham Penne Bake

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3 In a large bowl, mix mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, egg, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. 4 In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic briefly, then add marinara sauce and ham, warming through.
5. 5 Combine the penne with the sauce and ham mixture.
6. 6 Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with the cheese mixture.
7. 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. 8 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
• Substitute ham with Italian sausage for a heartier option.

Substitutions

• Use ground turkey instead of ham for a leaner option.
• Substitute penne with whole wheat penne for added fiber.

Pairings

• Red wine like Chianti
• Sparkling water with lemon

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, toast the garlic in olive oil before adding the sauce.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach for a nutrient boost.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for extra indulgence.

FAQ