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Best Italian Bake

delicious, hearty casserole layered with savory Italian flavors and bubbling cheese. It’s a comforting dish that combines tender pasta, marinara sauce, flavorful Italian spices, and gooey melted mozzarella
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Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Oven mitts
  • Cheese grater (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne or ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey or ground beef if preferred
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground chicken or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  • Assemble the Bake: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta in an even layer. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then dot with half of the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
  • Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the Italian bake cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
  • Prep Time:
  • 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:
  • 35 minutes
  • Total Time:
  • 50 minutes
  • Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • This Best Italian Bake is a warm, cheesy, and filling dish that makes any dinner extra special. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!