Pio Quinto Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) penne pasta 350g (12 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.7 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
7. 7.
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Penne pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Crushed tomatoes — Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese — Shred the mozzarella cheese yourself for better melting and texture.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more pronounced and nutty flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves — Add the basil leaves as a garnish just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Customize the dish by adding cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• To make it more indulgent, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the baked pasta before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Pio Quinto Pasta Bake hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Pio Quinto Pasta Bake in a rustic baking dish, allowing the golden crust and cheesy goodness to be the star. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.