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Penne al Forno con Ricotta (Baked Penne with Ricotta)

Italian1 Hour
Punchline

It's cheesy, comforting, and perfect for a cozy family dinner tonight!

ingredients
penne pasta250grams
ricotta250grams
mozzarella cheese200grams
parmesan cheese100grams
tomato sauce400grams
garlic2cloves
basil1tablespoon
olive oil2tablespoon
salt1teaspoon
pepper1teaspoon
instructions
    1

    Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

    2

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    3

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper to the mixture.

    4

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer for around 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.

    5

    Combine the cooked penne pasta with the tomato sauce and the ricotta mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

    6

    Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

    7

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

    8

    Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings

4

How to be creative
  • Add sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrition.
  • Incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or fontina, for a unique twist.
Important Tips
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
  • Cover with foil initially to avoid over-browning, then remove for the last 10 minutes.
nutritions
  • fat: 20g
  • protein: 25g
  • calories: 550
  • carbohydrates: 70g
Health impact

This dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates for energy, protein from the cheeses, and some fiber if you include vegetables.