Here’s an Italian-inspired baked penne recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner:
Italian-Inspired Baked Penne
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine and Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and mix well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the baked penne rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Enjoy this comforting Italian-inspired dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad!
