Penne Lover

My Great Grandmother probably wouldn't approve of a lot of my Italian recipes because I jam them with cheese and garlic. Well, she'd at least pat me on the head and sing me an Italian song. For what it's worth, we all have probably made a quick penne dish at one point in our life. This recipe is one of the same and left a memory in my brain. Quick and semi-cheap, I cooked this one in a deep pan with a smaller, almost square footprint 12x10x5 deep. Cheese is everything, and I wouldn't use anything cheaper than Kraft and highly recommend Tillamook. I cooked the meats together.

Penne Lover
Penne Lover

My Great Grandmother probably wouldn't approve of a lot of my Italian recipes because I jam them with cheese and garlic. Well, she'd at least pat me on the head and sing me an Italian song. For what it's worth, we all have probably made a quick penne dish at one point in our life. This recipe is one of the same and left a memory in my brain. Quick and semi-cheap, I cooked this one in a deep pan with a smaller, almost square footprint 12x10x5 deep. Cheese is everything, and I wouldn't use anything cheaper than Kraft and highly recommend Tillamook. I cooked the meats together.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 142.931996849594 g
  • Cholesterol 901.7192 mg
  • Fat 316.164146636928 g
  • Fiber 15.5237449370205 g
  • Protein 437.663667669448 g
  • Saturated Fat 190.85430915614 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1516g)
  • Sodium 17931.9431166667 mg
  • Sugar 127.408251912573 g
  • Trans Fat 25.8779462807873 g
  • Calories 5093 calories

Step-by-step

  • Cook 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage (remove skin if using pan sausage).
  • Boil 24 ounces of penne pasta for 9 minutes.
  • In a 12x10x5 aluminum pan, layer the cooked ground beef and sausage.
  • Add 28 ounces of Prego pasta sauce.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta.
  • Layer 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Layer 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • Top with 6 ounces of sliced provolone cheese.
  • Add 15 ounces of ricotta cheese.
  • Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of julienned basil on top.
  • Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

My Unexpectedly Delicious Penne Adventure

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. This Penne Lover recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a far cry from the traditional Italian dishes my Nonna used to make – hers were carefully crafted, slow-simmered masterpieces. Mine? Well, let's just say they're a little more... enthusiastic. I load them up with cheese, garlic, and a generous helping of whatever other deliciousness I can find in the fridge. And you know what? My family loves them. This recipe isn't about authenticity; it's about creating a comforting, flavorful meal that brings everyone together, even if Nonna might raise an eyebrow or two.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup – a huge plus after a long day at the office. I usually start by cooking the ground beef and Italian sausage. I prefer pan sausage, as it's already seasoned perfectly, and I can just remove the casing before adding it to the mix. Then, it's just a matter of layering the ingredients: pasta, sauce, mountains of cheese (because who doesn't love extra cheese?), and a final sprinkle of fresh basil. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It's the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, which is a bonus when you’re short on time.

This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the quickest and simplest dishes can be the most memorable. It's a dish born out of practicality and a love for bold flavors. It's a reflection of my own style, blending tradition with a healthy dose of spontaneity. It's not Nonna’s recipe, but it’s mine, and it’s perfect for those nights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast, without sacrificing taste. I often adapt this recipe depending on what’s available; sometimes I add vegetables, or different types of meat. The key is to have fun with it and create a dish that suits your own tastes and preferences. So, ditch the complicated recipes for a night, and try this easy Penne Lover recipe. You might just surprise yourself (and maybe even Nonna).

Beyond the Recipe: A Celebration of Simplicity

This Penne Lover recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the ease and joy of creating something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. In today's fast-paced world, we often prioritize efficiency and convenience. This recipe embraces that, while still delivering a vibrant and satisfying meal. It's a reminder that sometimes, less is more. Simple ingredients, combined with a little love and creativity, can result in something truly special. It's about making memories around the dinner table, not just meticulously following a recipe. And honestly, the cleanup is minimal - which is a massive win in my book.

The experience of cooking this dish – the comforting aroma of simmering sauce, the satisfying melt of the cheeses, the happy chatter around the dinner table – is just as important as the final product itself. It's a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life and to find joy in the everyday rituals that connect us to each other and to ourselves. This penne is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of creating something beautiful out of simplicity, a perfect example of how delicious and fulfilling food can be without compromising our busy schedules.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Embrace the cheese, embrace the simplicity, and embrace the deliciousness. You won’t regret it.