---
title: Saucy Pork & Penne Casserole
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/saucy-pork-penne-casserole-64f8895f28f67f0f15b17e0b
servings: 4
prep_time: 15 minutes
cook_time: 30 minutes
time_required: 45 minutes
difficulty: Medium
allergens: [Wheat, Milk]
tags: [Multi-Portion, New, American, Casserole]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 515
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many enjoyed it, though adding extra herbs or spices boosts flavor.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Super easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/American%20Recipes/Casseroles/saucy-pork-penne-casserole.avif"
---
Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450 F. #large pot{} Bring salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Add @penne pasta{12%oz} to boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Drain using a #strainer{} and set aside.

While pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of @cooking oil{1%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add @ground pork{16%oz} and cook, breaking up into pieces, until browned and cooked through ~{5%minutes}. Season with @tuscan heat spice{1%unit}, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Stir in @marinara sauce{24%oz} and half the @milk{½%cup}. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce begins to bubble ~{2%minutes}, then remove from heat. Stir in @spinach{8%oz} and as many @chili flakes{1%tsp} as you like. Cover pan until spinach wilts ~{2%minutes}. Stir in half the @mozzarella cheese{8%oz}. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer drained pasta to a #baking dish{}. Carefully pour sauce mixture over pasta and stir until evenly distributed.

Evenly top with @panko breadcrumbs{½%cup}, remaining mozzarella cheese, and a large drizzle of @olive oil{1%tbsp}. Bake until panko is browned and crispy ~{12%minutes}.

Divide casserole between plates or serve family style directly from baking dish.