Italian Inspired Baked Penne Recipe

Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with this rich, cheesy, and savory baked penne recipe. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish combines traditional Italian flavors with a hearty, comforting twist.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for an unforgettable baked penne:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Italian-inspired baked penne:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish lightly with olive oil.
2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped