Italian Inspired Baked Penne

Here’s a delicious recipe for Italian-Inspired Baked Penne, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 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 for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Penne:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
3. Assemble the Baked Penne:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
   • Add in the ricotta cheese and mix gently to incorporate. You can leave some pockets of ricotta for creamy texture.
   • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
4. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
5. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Italian-inspired baked penne!

Tips:

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
• If you like it extra cheesy, add more mozzarella on top before baking!