baked penne and sun dried tomato sausage with ricotta pasta
Thersa Leisey
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Italian Sausage
- Ricotta Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Garlic Cloves, Minced
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Red Wine (optional)
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- Marinara Sauce
- Butter (for sautéing)
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Steps
### Delicious Baked Penne and Sun-Dried Tomato Sausage with Ricotta Pasta Recipe
#### Introduction:
This baked penne recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes, savory sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese over al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or an impressive dinner party, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
#### Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (adjust based on preference)
- 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Grated Pecorino Romano or additional Parmesan for topping
#### Equipment:
- Baking dish
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
3. **Prepare the Sausage Mixture:**
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. **Combine Cheeses:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. **Assemble the Pasta Layer:**
- Transfer cooked penne to the skillet with sausage mixture.
- Add one-third of the cheese mixture into the pasta, mixing well until evenly distributed.
- Pour this mixture into a baking dish.
6. **Bake the Dish:**
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano or additional Parmesan over the top of the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Serve:**
- Let it cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth!
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish or on individual plates.
#### Tips for Success:
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking, especially the cheese.
- Don’t overmix the pasta and ricotta mixture to maintain a creamy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—add more salt or pepper as needed.
#### Conclusion:
This baked penne and sun-dried tomato sausage with ricotta is not only a feast for your taste buds but also an easy yet impressive dish that you can prepare in under 1 hour. Perfectly balanced with savory, tangy, and creamy flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
#### Keywords:
- Baked Penne
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Sausage Ricotta Pasta
- Comfort Food Recipes
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner Party Ideas
Enjoy crafting this delicious pasta dish, and happy cooking!