Cheesy Baked Penne with Zucchini and Herbed Ricotta

There’s something magical about a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake straight from the oven. This baked penne combines tender noodles with a rich tomato-zucchini sauce, layered with a creamy herbed ricotta filling and topped with golden mozzarella. Every spoonful delivers comfort and flavor, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

The secret to this dish is the herbed ricotta — simply mixed with Italian seasoning and olive oil — which adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the savory marinara. Fresh zucchini is grated right into the sauce, so it blends seamlessly and adds moisture without being noticeable. Serve it hot from the baking dish for the ultimate cheese pull.

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Ingredients

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Roma TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Penne PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

14 ounce Marinara CupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Italian SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Ricotta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F with a rack in the top position. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Trim the zucchini and grate it on the largest holes of a box grater. Halve, peel, and dice half the onion (save the rest for another use; for 4 servings, dice the whole onion). Finely dice the tomato.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and cook until almost al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve the empty pot for later.
3. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, tomato, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 4–6 minutes. Stir in the marinara, grated zucchini, half the Italian seasoning, ¼ cup water (½ cup for 4 servings), 1 teaspoon sugar (2 teaspoons for 4 servings), and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–4 minutes more. Remove from heat.
4. While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta, remaining Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
5. Return the drained penne to the reserved pot. Add the sauce and 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Spread half the pasta mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish (use a 9×13-inch dish for 4 servings). Dollop spoonfuls of the seasoned ricotta over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil (spray the inside of the foil with nonstick spray to prevent sticking). Bake on the top rack for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil until the cheese is lightly browned, 4–5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with chili flakes if desired. Divide among plates and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Grater

Urbanstrive Cheese Grater With Container Box Grater Stainless Steel Graters for Kitchen Cheese Shredder Parmesan Shredder Kitchen Gadgets Kitchen Tools Kitchen Gifts for Chef Dishwasher Safe ZesterView on AmazonSpring Chef Professional Cheese Grater - Stainless Steel, XL Size, 4 Sides - Perfect Box Grater for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger - Dishwasher Safe - BlackView on AmazonDeiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterView on Amazon

Medium Pot

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonCAROTE 2QT & 2.5QT Sauce Pan Sets with Lid & Ladle Cooking Pots Nonstick Saucepans Cookware Set Small Kitchen Pot, Induction Comptable, Easy to Clean, PFOA FREE (Green)View on Amazon

Large Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSENSARTE Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Saute Pan, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFAS PTFE FreeView on Amazon

Medium Bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on Amazon

Baking Dish (8x8-inch or 9x13-inch)

OXO Good Grips Freezer-to-Oven Safe 2 Qt Glass Baking Dish with Lid, 8 x 8View on AmazonNUTRIUPS Square Glass Baking Dishes,Square Baking Dish, Glass Baking Dish for Oven 8x8 Inch 1 PackView on AmazonCGNWEEPS 8×8in Square Glass Baking Dish, 1.6QT Glass Baking Pan, Baking Dishes for OvenView on Amazon

Aluminum Foil

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer Safe and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 30 Total Sq. Ft.View on AmazonReynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll, Thick Heavy Duty Foil for Added Strength and Durability, Secure Easy Open and Close Tab, 12 Inches Wide, 50 Sq. Ft.View on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.