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Baked Penne Pasta

Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Fresh basil leaves for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown the sausage, breaking it up, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook 4 minutes, then garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook penne in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well. Mix ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss pasta with sauce. Layer half into a 9x13 inch dish, dot with ricotta mixture, sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Top with remaining pasta and sauce, then the last 1 cup mozzarella.
  5. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly. Broil 2 minutes for a browned top if desired. Cool 5 minutes, top with basil, and serve.

Notes

The pasta needs 5 minutes of rest after baking so the slices hold together. Boil the penne a full minute less than the package says because it keeps cooking in the oven. A baking sheet under the dish saves you from cleaning the oven floor if the sauce bubbles over.