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Baked Penne with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe

Baked Penne with Ricotta and Mozzarella
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Baked Penne with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a hearty Italian pasta dish made with cooked penne pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, layered together and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. This dish is a variation of traditional baked ziti but with penne pasta for a slightly different texture and bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

    • 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

    • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce and Cheese Layer:

    • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, depending on preference)

    • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta for a richer flavor)

    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, nutty taste)

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth of flavor)

    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (brings a touch of earthiness to the dish)

    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

    • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adds a slight peppery heat)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent pasta from sticking)

    • ½ cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish and freshness)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to enhance the pasta’s flavor while cooking.

    1. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions) to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

    1. Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

    1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

    1. Stir until well combined and creamy, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout for a balanced flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.

    1. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and add extra moisture.

    1. Add half of the cooked pasta and spread evenly, ensuring it’s well coated with sauce.

    1. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of marinara sauce to add creaminess.

    1. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce, layering for a deep, rich flavor.

    1. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

    1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into the pasta.

    1. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a crispy top layer.

    1. Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch.

Find it online: https://cookingwithadan.com/baked-penne-with-ricotta-and-mozzarella/