Baked Penne with Salsiccia and Mozzarella

A juicy baked pasta made with penne, spicy salsiccia and tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. A hearty family classic from Italian cuisine.

By yumbelo · 4 servings · 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 400 g Penne rigate
• 300 g Salsiccia (Italian sausage)
• 1 pc Onion
• 2 pc Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 500 g Passata (strained tomatoes)
• 250 g Mozzarella
• 80 g Parmesan, freshly grated
• 1 bunch Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C conventional heat (top and bottom).
2. Finely dice the onion and garlic. Squeeze the salsiccia out of its casing and break the meat into pieces.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sweat the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the salsiccia and fry it, crumbling it, until golden brown.
4. Stir in the passata, season with salt and pepper and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir in half of the basil leaves.
5. Cook the penne in plenty of salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve a small splash of the cooking water.
6. Toss the penne with the sauce and, if needed, add a little of the cooking water so everything becomes nice and loose.
7. Put half of the pasta into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan. Spread the remaining penne on top.
8. Drain the mozzarella, slice or tear it, and distribute it over the pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
9. Bake the dish in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Garnish with the remaining basil leaves and serve hot.