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A comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich, savory marinara sauce. Dollops of creamy ricotta cheese melt into the warm pasta, creating a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Sauté the Aromatics
Simmer the Marinara Sauce
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A comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich, savory marinara sauce. Dollops of creamy ricotta cheese melt into the warm pasta, creating a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
This italian_american recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 486.86 calories per serving with 20.82g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Serve
Brown 1/2 lb of ground Italian sausage or ground beef with the onions until cooked through, then proceed with the recipe.
Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, one chopped zucchini, or a handful of spinach with the onions until tender.
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, or add a finely chopped fresh red chili with the garlic.
Stir 1/4 cup of the ricotta cheese directly into the marinara sauce at the end of simmering for a creamier, rosé-style sauce.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
The complex carbohydrates in pasta are broken down slowly, providing a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Ricotta and Parmesan cheese are good sources of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 680-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the ricotta and the amount of cheese added.
It can be part of a balanced diet. The tomatoes provide lycopene, an important antioxidant. The pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. However, it is high in carbohydrates and calories, so portion control is key for a healthy lifestyle.
Yes, absolutely. Simply substitute the regular penne with your favorite brand of gluten-free penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, as cooking times can vary.
This sauce works well with many pasta shapes. Rigatoni, ziti, fusilli, or shells are excellent choices as their ridges and hollows are great for catching the sauce and ricotta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
Yes. If using fresh herbs, a general rule is to use three times the amount of dried. Add fresh oregano and basil during the last few minutes of simmering to preserve their delicate flavor.