Authentic Italian Comfort: Baked Penne Delight
Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes lacking excitement and flavor? Do you find yourself craving a comforting yet satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare?
Many of us struggle to find the perfect balance between convenience and taste when it comes to cooking at home. It’s easy to fall into a routine of uninspired meals that leave us longing for something more flavorful and fulfilling.
Enter our Baked Penne Delight recipe! This mouthwatering dish offers a solution to your culinary woes, combining the simplicity of pasta with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a comforting meal that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
With the PAS framework, we’ve identified the problem, agitated the reader’s desire for a solution, and presented our Baked Penne Delight recipe as the answer to their culinary cravings. So why wait? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of homemade Italian comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 320g ridged penne (gluten-free option available)
- 600g tomato passata
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- Salt, to season
- 2 lactose-free mozzarellas
- 80g Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggplants
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Crafting the Sauce: Begin by gently heating olive oil in a pan over a medium flame. Add finely chopped garlic and let it sizzle until aromatic. Pour in the velvety tomato passata, tearing in fragrant basil leaves. Allow the sauce to simmer, infusing the air with Italian aromas.
- Frying Eggplant Cubes: While the sauce simmers, prepare the eggplants. Wash them thoroughly and dice into bite-sized cubes. Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan. Once shimmering, carefully add the eggplant cubes, frying until they turn a crisp golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cooking the Pasta: In a generously salted pot of boiling water, cook the penne until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- Bringing it All Together: Preheat your oven to 190°C. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the aromatic tomato sauce, golden eggplant cubes, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently fold everything together until every penne is coated in flavorful sauce.
- Assembling the Dish: Transfer the flavorful pasta mixture into a baking dish, ensuring an even spread. Cut the mozzarella into delectable cubes and scatter them atop the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the dish, promising a delightful golden crust upon baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 15 minutes. The cheese should melt into a creamy blanket, with golden edges forming. For an extra touch, switch on the grill mode for the last few minutes for a crispy finish.
- Serve with Love: Once baked to perfection, bring your Baked Penne Delight to the table. Let it cool for a moment before serving, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Buon Appetito!
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy with our Baked Penne Delight. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this dish promises to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Italy with every mouthful. Mangia bene! (Eat well!)