Italian-Inspired Baked Penne is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner. This hearty casserole features al dente penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and Italian seasonings, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brings together the classic flavors of Italy in a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta (or any other short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade marinara sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, but stop 1-2 minutes before it reaches full doneness (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
5. Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re baking it from the fridge, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute.
- Extra Cheese: Add extra cheese for a more indulgent dish—try a mix of provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for a twist.
This Italian-Inspired Baked Penne is the perfect combination of pasta, savory sauce, and melty cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!