Creamy Marinara Pasta Bake with Cheesy Topping

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

4.In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Reserve half of this cheese mixture for topping later.

5.Add half of the cheese mixture to the pasta and sauce mixture, stirring until well combined.

6.Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

7.In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the breadcrumbs and stir until they are well coated and slightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.

8.Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture over the top of the pasta, followed by the toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

9.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

10.After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

11.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.