Description
A delicious and comforting baked penne pasta dish, layered with rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the mozzarella slices over the pasta.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture and arrange the remaining mozzarella slices on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meatier version.
- Fresh basil can be added to the sauce or sprinkled on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American