Imagine a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italy with the convenience of a baked pasta casserole. This Italian-inspired baked penne is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. Packed with layers of cheesy goodness, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe will have your visitors lingering for every last detail.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 ½ cups for layering and ½ cup for topping)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese