Italian For Pasta Bake
There's something truly comforting about a hearty pasta bake straight out of the oven, isn't there? The combination of pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs is a surefire way to bring the family together around the dinner table. In this recipe, we're bringing you a delightful Italian twist on the classic pasta bake - introducing the Italian for Pasta Bake. This dish is bursting with rich Italian flavors that will transport you to the rustic kitchens of Italy with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
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Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
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Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Total Fat
- 35 g
- Saturated Fat
- 15 g
- Cholesterol
- 90 mg
- Sodium
- 900 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 55 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 6 g
- Sugars
- 10 g
- Protein
- 35 g
This Italian for Pasta Bake is a fantastic dish that captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of this Italian-inspired pasta bake. Cheers to cozy evenings filled with delicious food and great company!