Baked Two Cheese Penne with Ingredients of Own Choice
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Two Cheese Penne, a customizable casserole dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This hearty recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a rich homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and classic Italian spices like basil and oregano, with an optional hint of heat from red chili flakes. Layered with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your favorite add-ins like vegetables or proteins, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes and topped with fresh parsley for a pop of brightness, it’s a satisfying, cheesy delight that hits all the right notes. Perfect for sharing, this two-cheese baked pasta will become a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried basil, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Remove the dish from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.0 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.4 g | 247% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 257 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 5392 mg | 234% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 350.8 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.2 g | ||
| Protein | 141.5 g | 283% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2728 mg | 210% | |
| Iron | 22.2 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 2831 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
