This oven baked 3-ingredients lazy mascarpone penne is the kind of back-pocket dinner that proves a short ingredient list can still deliver real comfort. Mascarpone gives the pasta a rich, velvety finish that melts into a simple sauce as it bakes, while the oven creates those irresistible golden edges that make a casserole dish worth scraping clean. It is especially useful on busy weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and a little indulgent without committing to a long cooking project.
Serve this penne with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a piece of crusty Italian bread works well for soaking up the creamy sauce, and if you want a fuller spread, add simple grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or a bowl of marinated tomatoes on the side.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredients Lazy Mascarpone Penne
Servings: 4
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the marinara sauce and mascarpone until mostly smooth. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture into a creamy sauce.
3. Add the drained penne to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to a white casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
4. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, until the pasta is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce settles slightly.
Variations & Tips
Add a cheese topping: If you do not mind moving beyond the strict three-ingredient idea, a light shower of grated mozzarella or Parmesan before baking adds a more pronounced browned top and extra savory depth.
Use a sturdy sauce: Choose a thicker marinara rather than a watery one. Mascarpone softens and enriches the sauce as it heats, so starting with a robust tomato sauce helps the final dish stay creamy instead of loose.
Make it a fuller meal: Stir in cooked spinach, browned Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed mushrooms with the pasta before baking. These additions fit naturally into the dish without changing the basic method.
Do not overcook the pasta: Since the penne continues cooking in the oven, boiling it just under al dente is important. That small detail keeps the final texture tender but not mushy, which is especially important in a short-ingredient recipe where texture carries a lot of the appeal.