Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sausage and onion
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked penne, sausage mixture, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 570
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1350mg
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Penne pasta can be substituted with ziti or rigatoni.
- Italian sausage can be substituted with ground beef or turkey.
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted with canned tomato sauce.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the pasta mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar and Gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the dish becomes too watery, try draining the diced tomatoes more thoroughly or reducing the amount of crushed tomatoes.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Baked pasta dishes have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.
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