Description
A delicious and cheesy baked penne casserole with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. If using, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the pasta mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- You can use different types of cheese like gouda or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving helps the layers set for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg