---
title: Triple Cheese Spinach Penne Bake
servings: 4
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/triple-cheese-spinach-penne-bake-652ea3823c492585e7ac4199
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes
time required: 40 minutes
difficulty: medium
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags:
  - Multi-Portion
  - New
  - Seasonal
  - Veggie
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 590
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many enjoyed the dish, though some found it bland; adding extra garlic, herbs, or Italian sausage boosted flavor.
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Simple to make, but a few found instructions confusing; consider clarifying spinich and pasta water steps.
nutrition:
  calories: 720
  protein: 29
  fat: 26
  saturated fat: 15
  carbohydrates: 96
  sugar: 17
  fiber: 7
  cholesterol: 70
  sodium: 930
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/Penne/triple-cheese-spinach-penne-bake.avif"
---

Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Roughly chop @spinach{10%ounce}.

Once water is boiling, add @penne pasta{24%ounce} to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until almost al dente, ~{8%minutes}. (For 8 servings, divide between two large pots or cook in batches.) Stir spinach into pot and continue to cook until spinach is wilted and pasta is al dente, 1-2 minutes more. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain. While pasta cooks, coat an 8-by-8-inch #baking dish{} (9-by-13-inch baking dish for 8) with @nonstick cooking spray{}.

Heat pot used for pasta and spinach over medium-high heat. Add @crushed tomatoes{55.04%ounce}, @Veggie Stock Concentrate{8%unit}, @Italian Seasoning{4%tablespoon}, @garlic powder{4%teaspoon}, ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water, and 2 tbs plain butter (½ cup pasta cooking water and 4 tbsp plain butter for 8 servings). Cook, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and everything is thoroughly combined, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and add drained penne and spinach, @mozzarella cheese{1%cup}, and @Italian cheese blend{2%cup}; stir until everything is coated in sauce. Taste and season with @salt{} and @pepper{} if desired.

Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared #baking dish{}. Coat a large piece of @aluminum foil{} with @nonstick cooking spray{}; cover baking dish with foil, coated side down. Bake on top rack until sauce is bubbling, 13-15 minutes. (Careful when lifting the foil to check on the penne bake—steam may escape.)

Meanwhile, melt @garlic herb butter{4%tablespoon} in a #medium pan{} over medium heat. Add @panko breadcrumbs{1%cup} and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Transfer garlic herb panko to a small #bowl{} and set aside until ready to serve.

When pasta bake is done baking, let cool ~{5%minutes}. Top with garlic herb panko, @Parmesan cheese{6%tablespoon}, and as many @chili flakes{2%teaspoon} as you like. Divide between plates or serve family style directly from baking dish.