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Baked Penne alla Vodka

An easy and cheesy pasta dinner!

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Baked Penne alla vodka 5
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There’s something undeniably comforting about a baked pasta dish, and this Baked Penne alla Vodka is no exception. Rich, cheesy, and packed with the velvety goodness of vodka sauce, this dish is a weeknight hero that tastes like a homemade indulgence. The preparation takes only minutes, and you can have the dish on the table just over half an hour later. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this baked pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Baked Penne alla vodka 7
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Baked Penne alla vodka 1
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To make this recipe super simple, we’re leaning on store-bought pasta sauce here. Pick up a jar of your favorite vodka sauce and half the work is done already! Boil the penne until just al dente, then pour it into a large baking dish. You’ll add the rest of the ingredients right in the dish (yay for fewer dishes!), then toss it all together. Sprinkle more mozzarella on top and pop that beauty in the oven.

Baked Penne alla vodka 2
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Baked Penne alla vodka 3
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The dish bakes for about 35 minutes. We just need the cheesy to be fully melted and the sauce to be good and bubbly. Yum! Serve it hot with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a meal that the whole family is going to be impressed with. Easy to make and even easier to love, this Baked Penne alla Vodka is bound to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Baked Penne alla vodka 9
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Baked Penne alla vodka 8
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Yield(s): Serves 8-10

15m prep time

35m cook time

3.4
Rated by 9 reviewers

Allergens: Gluten, Milk

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Ingredients
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 (24 oz) jar vodka sauce
  • 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup half and half
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, cherry-size
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter, then set aside.
  2. Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and transfer to the prepared baking pan.
  3. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half and half, water, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper to the baking dish and toss to combine.
  4. Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the fresh mozzarella balls on top.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and sauce is bubbling.
  6. Serve hot with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Recipe adapted from Aseasonedgreeting.com