Italian-Inspired Baked Penne Recipe

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Introduction

Italian-Inspired Baked Penne is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This casserole combines al dente penne pasta, savory marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s like a cozy lasagna in penne form, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—yet, the result is nothing short of a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • For the Pasta:
    • 1 pound penne pasta
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 cups ricotta cheese
    • 2 cups shredded provolone or fontina cheese
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
    • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions…

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