Hearty Beef Stroganoff: A Classic Russian Dish with a Twist

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of penne pasta
  • 1 cup of marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. In a non-stick pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's golden brown.
  4. Add the marinara sauce to the pan and stir it well. Season it with salt and black pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese together.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and mix well until the pasta is coated with the cheese.
  7. Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and cheese mixture. Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pasta
  • Non-stick pan - for sautéing the garlic and preparing the marinara sauce
  • Baking dish - for baking the pasta dish in the oven
  • Spatula - for mixing the pasta with the cheese mixture and transferring it to the baking dish
  • Oven - for baking the dish
  • Colander - for draining the cooked pasta
  • Knife - for mincing the garlic
  • Cutting board - for chopping fresh basil and parsley
  • Measuring cups and spoons - for accurately measuring the ingredients

Recipe variations

  • Replace penne pasta with any other pasta shape such as fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni.
  • Experiment with different types of sauce such as Alfredo sauce, vodka sauce, or pesto sauce instead of marinara sauce.
  • Add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the pasta and cheese mixture.
  • Include cooked meat like ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for a meaty version.
  • Try different types of cheese such as fontina, gouda, or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
  • Add a layer of cooked bacon or prosciutto between the pasta and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the marinara sauce.
  • Top the dish with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit any meat and add extra veggies or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives.

Recipe overview

This inviting recipe for Dish22, also known as Cheesy Penne Pasta Bake, is a delightful comfort food for pasta lovers. Loaded with rich, melted cheeses and a robust marinara sauce, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With flavors that meld together beautifully in the oven, this dish offers a pleasing combination of textures, from the al dente penne to the gooey melted cheese. Expect a dish that is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat, with a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas as it bakes. In about 40 minutes, you can have a warm, hearty pasta bake on the table. Best of all, this recipe leaves plenty of room for customization, so feel free to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or cheeses. Serve this dish with a side salad, some garlic bread, and enjoy the taste of homemade Italian cuisine. Bon appétit!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the instructions on the pasta packaging.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina can be great alternatives.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions and adjust the baking time if needed.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  5. Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe?
    Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the pasta
  • Non-stick pan - For sautéing the garlic and heating the marinara sauce
  • Baking dish - To bake the pasta dish in the oven
  • Oven - To bake the dish at 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Spatula - For mixing the pasta and cheese mixture
  • Cheese grater - To grate the Parmesan cheese
  • Knife - For mincing garlic and chopping fresh basil and parsley
  • Cutting board - To safely chop ingredients
  • Measuring cups - For accurate measurement of ingredients
  • Mixing bowl - To combine the cheeses and pasta

Origin stories

Pasta, the star ingredient of this dish, has a long and winding history that’s as flavorful as the dish itself. It is often associated with Italy, but the origins of pasta are in fact quite debatable. The most popular theory is that Marco Polo brought pasta from his travels in China back to Italy. However, there's evidence that pasta was already present in Italy long before Marco Polo's voyage in the 13th century. Some historians believe that it was actually the Arabs who introduced pasta to Europe during the 8th century Arab invasion of Sicily. Regardless of its origin, pasta has become a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Its versatility in pairing with a wide range of ingredients makes it a favorite in many households. In this dish, pasta is combined with rich cheeses and tangy marinara sauce, a reflection of the hearty and comforting flavors we often associate with Italian cuisine. This is a humble tribute to the journey of pasta, from its uncertain beginnings to its place in our kitchens and hearts.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.