Gourmet Pasta Bake

Craving a comforting and hearty dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying? Look no further than our fantastic recipe for Gourmet Pasta Bake! This dish is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meats, and gooey cheese, all baked together to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends, this Gourmet Pasta Bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Gourmet Pasta Bake

Ingredients:
– 1 pound of penne pasta
– 1 pound of ground Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.

6. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.

7. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Once out of the oven, let the Gourmet Pasta Bake stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your Gourmet Pasta Bake hot and fresh out of the oven, paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in with loved ones or for sharing at potlucks and gatherings. The layers of flavors and textures in this recipe are sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. Experiment with different types of pasta and meat for a personalized twist on this classic recipe. Happy cooking and bon appétit!