Introducing a comforting and flavorful dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection – the World’s Best Pasta Bake! This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Packed with savory flavors and creamy textures, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into creating this delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
**World’s Best Pasta Bake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 1 pound ground Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once the sausage is cooked through, add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and let the flavors simmer together for a few minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen as you bake this delicious pasta dish. The World’s Best Pasta Bake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a convenient option for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the protein to make it your own signature dish. Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will surely impress your loved ones.
