---
title: Veggie Baked Penne
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/veggie-baked-penne-5e26044cb9721f76446c7589
servings: 2
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes
time required: 45 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags:
  - Veggie
  - Italian
  - Cheesy
  - Comfort Food
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 2300
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Rich, creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella make this pasta incredibly satisfying.
  - theme: Ease
    text: Simple prep and straightforward baking steps make it a weeknight favorite.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/Penne/veggie-baked-penne.avif"
---
@zucchini{1%medium}
@yellow onion{1%medium}
@roma tomato{1%medium}
@penne pasta{7%oz}
@marinara sauce{1%cup}
@italian seasoning{1%tsp}
@ricotta cheese{½%cup}
@mozzarella cheese{1%cup}
@chili flakes{1%tsp}
@olive oil{2%tbsp}
@sugar{1%tsp}
@butter{1%tbsp}
@water{¼%cup}
@salt{1%tsp}
@black pepper{1%tsp}

Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F. Bring a #medium pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Trim zucchini, then grate on the largest holes of a box grater. Halve, peel, and dice half the yellow onion. Finely dice roma tomato.

Once water is boiling, add penne pasta to pot. Cook until almost al dente ~{8%minutes}. Drain and set aside. Reserve empty pot for later use.

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, tomato, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened ~{5%minutes}. Stir in marinara sauce, grated zucchini, half the italian seasoning, water, sugar, and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook ~{3%minutes} more, then turn off heat.

While sauce simmers, in a #medium bowl{}, combine ricotta cheese, remaining italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.

Add cooked penne, sauce, and butter to the reserved pot. Season with salt and pepper; stir to thoroughly combine. Spread out half the pasta mixture in an 8x8-inch #baking dish{}. Dollop the mixture with seasoned ricotta. Top with remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Cover baking dish with #aluminum foil{}. Bake on top rack ~{10%minutes}. Remove from oven and discard foil. Heat broiler to high. Broil until cheese is lightly browned ~{4%minutes}. Let cool slightly, then top with chili flakes if desired. Divide pasta between plates and serve.