Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the top third.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add uncooked penne pasta and cook it for 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate.

In an oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

To the browned beef, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the jar of Alfredo sauce, mixing well. Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything to ensure all pasta is evenly coated.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Bake for about 10 minutes.

Let the Ground Beef Alfredo Bake sit for a few minutes before serving.