1. Introduction to the Dish
Italian-inspired baked penne is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines al dente penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection. It’s an ideal comfort food for family dinners, special occasions, or potlucks.
2. Ingredients
To make this delicious baked penne, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Preparing the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
4. Cooking the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
5. Adding the Tomatoes
Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, add the drained diced tomatoes and the marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Preparing the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped fresh basil. Mix until smooth and well blended. This mixture will add a creamy, cheesy layer to your baked penne.
7. Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Layering the Pasta and Sauce
To assemble the baked penne, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, add half of the cooked penne pasta, spreading it out evenly.
9. Adding the Cheese Mixture
Next, spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the pasta. This will create a deliciously creamy middle layer.
10. Finishing the Layers
Add the remaining pasta over the cheese mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Make sure to spread the sauce evenly to cover all the pasta.
11. Topping with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly crust as the dish bakes.
12. Baking the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
13. Letting It Rest
Once the baked penne is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
14. Serving Suggestions
Italian-inspired baked penne is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. You can also garnish it with additional fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
15. Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or cover the entire baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well, making it a convenient option for make-ahead meals.
Enjoy your Italian-inspired baked penne!
