In the realm of culinary wonders, few dishes evoke a sense of cozy comfort and warmth quite like an easy Italian pasta bake. This classic dish, synonymous with the vibrant flavors of Italy, has captured the hearts and appetites of countless pasta enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're a novice cook seeking a straightforward yet delectable recipe or an experienced chef looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this culinary journey will guide you towards crafting the perfect easy Italian pasta bake.
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EASY ITALIAN PASTA BAKE
Make and share this Easy Italian Pasta Bake recipe from Food.com.
Provided by MissBobLoblaw
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown meat in large skillet; drain.
- Add cooked pasta, sauce, and half of the parmesan; mix well.
- Spoon into 13X9-inch baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan.
- Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.
QUICK & EASY ZESTY ITALIAN PENNE PASTA BAKE
We like this recipe because we use fresh peppers, onions, and zucchini from our garden. I can up with this recipe because I needed a quick recipe for unexpected company and had left over marinara sauce in the refrigerator and breakfast sausage in the freezer. I usually make my recipe with ziti, however, penne pasta is basically the same thing. I make this recipe in the summer when I have lots of "fresh" zucchini from my garden. I always pick fresh, baby zucchini for this recipe, therefore, it isn't necessary to peel the zucchini or cook it, because it is very tender. When it is sliced thin, it cooks perfectly in the casserole and does not require prior cooking. I serve this with fresh garden salad and crusty bread or rolls.
Provided by Judy-Jude
Categories Penne
Time 1h15m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta to aldente stage, put in strainer, do not rinse and set aside to completely drain.
- Heat large saute pan, add olive oil, onion, sweet red peppers, hot crushed red pepper flakes and garlic.
- Saute on low until soft, not brown.
- Place in a small bowl and set aside.
- In same pan, brown sausage until cooked through.
- If not using Jimmy Dean Sausage, remove any excess fat.
- Return vegetable mixture back to pan and add tomato sauce, basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Grease 2 quart casserole, put 1/2 of the pasta, cover with 1/2 of the meat/sauce mixture, lay slices of 1/2 of the zucchini, sprinkle 1/2 of the cheese, repeat with a second layer of pasta, meat/sauce mixture, zucchini slices, ending with the remaining cheese.
- Bake covered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, remove cover and bake until lightly brown, about 10 minutes.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Use the best pasta, cheese, and sauce you can find.
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Don't skimp on the cheese: Cheese is one of the key ingredients in Italian pasta bakes. Use a generous amount of high-quality cheese, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta.
- Add some vegetables: Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to pasta bakes. Try adding some chopped spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Season the dish well: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential seasonings for Italian pasta bakes. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Bake the pasta bake until it is golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Conclusion:
Italian pasta bakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With a little creativity, you can create a pasta bake that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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