Italian-Inspired Baked Penne Recipe

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making the Sauce

2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine Sausage and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Assembling the Baked Penne

6. Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked penne pasta, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and sauce.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked penne from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Conclusion

Italian-Inspired Baked Penne is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table. Perfectly baked pasta combined with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this hearty meal with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian feast!