---
title: Plant-Based Beyond Baked Penne
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/plant-based-beyond-baked-penne-5e83909417463c0829771725
servings: 4
time_required: "35 minutes"
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
tags:
  - Veggie
  - Easy Prep
  - Pasta
  - Casserole
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 2000
source_chef: Sara Heilman
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Some enjoyed the dish, while others found the Beyond Beef taste too prominent.
  - theme: Suggestions
    text: Consider veganizing the recipe for those with dairy allergies.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/Penne/plant-based-beyond-baked-penne.avif"
---

Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. In a #small bowl{}, combine @panko breadcrumbs{½%cup}, @mozzarella cheese{6%oz}, and @olive oil{1%tbsp}. Season with @salt{1%tsp} and @black pepper{½%tsp}. Set aside.

Once water is boiling, add @penne pasta{8%oz} to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, ~{10%minutes}. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

While pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add @beyond burgers™{12%oz} and @italian seasoning{1%tsp}; cook, breaking up patties into pieces, until browned and slightly crispy, ~{5%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust rack to top position and heat broiler to high.

Stir @marinara sauce{2%cups}, @cream sauce base{1%cup}, @cream cheese{4%oz}, and @butter{1%tbsp} into pan. Add @chili flakes{½%tsp} to taste. Bring to a simmer. Stir in @spinach{2%cups} in batches, allowing spinach to wilt slightly before adding more. Cook, stirring, until spinach has wilted, ~{2%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir penne and ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water into pan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Evenly sprinkle pasta with panko mixture. If pan feels too crowded, carefully pour everything into pot used for pasta, then transfer mixture back to ovenproof pan before broiling. If pan is not ovenproof, transfer pasta to a baking dish before sprinkling with panko mixture.

Broil pasta on top rack until panko is golden brown, ~{2%minutes}. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Divide between plates and serve.