Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked penne pasta, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked penne from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Italian-Inspired Baked Penne Recipe
