ADVERTISEMENT
Italian-Inspired Baked Penne: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dish
If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that brings the essence of Italian cooking into your kitchen, look no further than Italian-Inspired Baked Penne. This dish is the perfect blend of savory flavors, gooey cheese, and comforting pasta, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this baked penne recipe will soon become a favorite.
The beauty of baked penne lies in its versatility and ability to combine simple ingredients in a way that’s utterly satisfying. With layers of pasta, a rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy, golden top, this dish is sure to transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Italian-Inspired Baked Penne
- Comforting and filling: The combination of pasta, sauce, and cheese makes this a hearty meal perfect for cozy nights in.
- Versatile: You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Easy to make: It’s a one-dish meal that’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for an easy dinner.
- Family-friendly: With its classic flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Italian-Inspired Baked Penne
This recipe calls for ingredients that are staples in Italian cooking but can be found in any kitchen pantry. Let’s get cooking!
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound (16 oz) penne pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for boiling the pasta)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for a creamier texture in the ricotta filling)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
ADVERTISEMENT
