Italian-Inspired Baked Penne
This delightful Italian-inspired baked penne is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that will become a favorite in your home. It’s rich with a creamy bechamel sauce, hearty beef, and melted cheeses, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
40 g butter
A bunch of spring onions, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
500 ml milk
300 g penne rigate pasta
150 g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
600 g minced beef
300 g chopped canned tomatoes (with juice)
150 g mozzarella cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the spring onions and sauté until softened.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 1 minute, creating a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.
Add the canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Baked Penne:
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and bechamel sauce. Stir well.
Top with the remaining Parmesan and grated mozzarella.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Serve:
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and enjoy this Italian-inspired feast!
