Lasagna Style Pasta Dish
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Lasagna Style Pasta Dish, a hearty twist on the classic Italian favorite. Perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe layers tender pasta shells or penne with a rich, savory meat sauce and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. The combination of aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and Italian seasoning ensures bold and authentic flavors in every bite, while the simple assembly process makes it approachable for home cooks of any skill level. This baked pasta dish is ready in just an hour and serves up to six, making it an ideal go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions. Garnish with fresh basil for an added pop of flavor and serve warm for a luxuriously satisfying dining experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta shells (or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 unit large egg
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta shells or penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta in an even layer.
Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Lasagna Style Pasta Dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4157 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 259.5 g | 333% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.1 g | 596% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1068 mg | 356% | |
| Sodium | 6978 mg | 303% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 213.0 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.7 g | ||
| Protein | 257.1 g | 514% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 4627 mg | 356% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 2172 mg | 46% | |
*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.
