🍝🧀 Best Penne Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Bread | Classic Italian Comfort Food

Treat your family to a hearty plate of Penne Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Bread. This Italian-inspired favorite combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich, slow-simmered beef Bolognese sauce made with tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, garlic, and herbs. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and served alongside crispy homemade garlic bread, this comforting meal is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

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⏱️ Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Calories: Approximately 690 kcal per serving

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🛒 Ingredients

🍅 For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small carrot, finely diced

• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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🍝 For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) penne pasta

• Water, for boiling

• 1 tbsp salt

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🧀 Toppings

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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🥖 Garlic Bread

• 1 French baguette or Italian loaf, sliced

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

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🔥👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion, carrot, and celery, then sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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2️⃣ Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Drain any excess fat if necessary.

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3️⃣ Simmer the Bolognese Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, milk or heavy cream, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and cook for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thick, rich, and full of flavor.

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4️⃣ Cook the Penne

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook the penne until al dente, following the package instructions.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

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5️⃣ Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne directly to the Bolognese sauce.

Toss gently until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.

If needed, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.

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6️⃣ Bake the Garlic Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and grated Parmesan.

Spread evenly over the sliced bread.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and fragrant.

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7️⃣ Serve

Divide the Penne Bolognese among serving bowls.

Top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.

Serve immediately with warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort meal.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete your dinner with:

• 🥗 Caesar salad

• 🥬 Mixed green salad

• 🥦 Roasted vegetables

• 🥖 Extra garlic bread

• 🍅 Bruschetta

• 🥤 Sparkling water or iced tea

• 🍷 Red wine (for adults)

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💡 Chef's Tips

• Simmer the Bolognese sauce longer for an even deeper, richer flavor.

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and delivers superior taste.

• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays perfectly tender after mixing with the sauce.

• Add a splash of heavy cream for an extra velvety finish.

• Combine ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer, more traditional Bolognese.

• Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.

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❄️ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the Bolognese sauce for up to 3 months. Prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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🍝 Rich, comforting, and loaded with authentic Italian-inspired flavor, this Penne Bolognese with Parmesan Cheese & Garlic Bread is a timeless family favorite that's perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Every bite is filled with hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of melted Parmesan goodness! 🧀🥖