A dear friend from Italy shared this exceptional recipe with me, and it quickly became the best dinner I’ve ever had! This Italian-inspired baked penne combines rich, savory flavors with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, making it an irresistible dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 40 g butter
- A bunch of spring onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- 300 g penne rigate pasta
- 150 g hard Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 600 g minced beef
- 300 g chopped canned tomatoes in their own juice
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne rigate pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onions and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Tomato Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the chopped canned tomatoes with their juice. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with half of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, pour over the remaining cheese sauce, and finish with the remaining grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired baked penne with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
More Info About This Recipe:
This Italian-inspired baked penne is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of rich beef, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a delightful cheesy topping that complements the perfectly cooked penne pasta.
Nutritional Benefit:
This dish provides a good balance of protein from the minced beef and cheeses, carbohydrates from the pasta, and essential vitamins from the spring onions and tomatoes. It’s a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion:
This Italian-inspired baked penne is truly the best dinner you’ll ever have. With its rich flavors, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Share this delightful dish with your loved ones and enjoy the taste of Italy right in your kitchen!