Delicious and Comforting Italian Pasta Bake

 Delicious and Comforting Italian Pasta Bake





Ingredients:



1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)


Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F

 (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.


Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water

 to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to

 the package instructions until al dente. Drain

 and set aside.


Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook

 the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium

 heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon

 as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the

 chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook

 until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.


Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced

 tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper,

 and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a

 simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the

 flavors to meld.


Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl,

 combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix

 well to coat the pasta evenly.


Layer the Bake: Spread half of the pasta and

 sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.

 Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then

 sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan and

 shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the

 remaining pasta and sauce mixture, then

 sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and

 mozzarella cheese.


Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil

 and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

 Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and

 bubbly.


Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta

 bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with

 chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve hot. Enjoy!



Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45

 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes


Kcal: 400 kcal per serving | 

Servings: 8

Just made this delicious Italian Pasta Bake! 

 Perfect for a comforting and hearty dinner.

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