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Italian-Inspired Baked Penne: The Best Dinner Ever
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and heartiness of a delicious Italian-inspired meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, a hearty pasta dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Enter Italian-Inspired Baked Penne—a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s simple to make and even more satisfying to eat. With layers of perfectly cooked penne, a rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory Italian seasoning, this dish will quickly become your go-to recipe for the best dinner ever.
Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipe that combines all the comfort and flavor of Italy in a single dish.
Why You’ll Love This Italian-Inspired Baked Penne
This baked penne recipe is a mix of comforting pasta, savory marinara sauce, and creamy melted cheese—ingredients that are sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. Whether you prefer to add ground meat, vegetables, or keep it vegetarian, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) penne pasta: This tubular pasta holds the sauce and cheese perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: You can use store-bought marinara or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, gooey goodness!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Gives the dish a creamy texture and extra richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing.
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped): Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For that classic Italian taste.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A must for any Italian dish.
- 1 tsp dried basil: For extra flavor and aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): To add a pop of color and freshness when serving.
