Penne pasta, ground pork, tomatoes, and a trio of cheeses create a hearty bake with a creamy filling and golden top. Ricotta makes the mixture smoother, mozzarella melts beautifully during baking, and Parmesan adds a more intense flavor.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a treat for friends. The preparation is straightforward: cook the pasta, sauté the meat with tomatoes, combine everything, and bake briefly. You can serve the finished bake with fresh vegetables or a salad according to your taste.
What You’ll Need
- 500 g penne pasta,
- 1 onion,
- 3 cloves garlic,
- a pinch of chili,
- 500 g ground pork,
- 1 can chopped tomatoes,
- 2–3 tablespoons ricotta cheese,
- 150 g mozzarella,
- 50 g Parmesan,
- herbes de Provence,
- salt and pepper,
- oil for frying.
The original recipe does not specify the exact amount of herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, or oil, so adjust them to your taste and needs.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside for now. The firmer texture is important because the pasta will be baked further in the oven.
2. Preparing the Onion Base: Peel and finely chop the onion, then sauté it in a pan with a little oil. Add pressed garlic and a pinch of chili, and briefly fry to blend the flavors.
3. Browning the Meat: Add the ground pork to the onion base and fry, stirring regularly. Break up larger pieces as you cook so the meat mixes evenly with the onion, garlic, and chili.
4. Simmering the Tomato Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes with their juice to the browned meat. Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and you have a compact meat mixture. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence.
5. Combining Pasta with Cheese: Mix the drained penne with the prepared meat and tomato sauce. Add 2–3 tablespoons of ricotta and mix thoroughly so the soft cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Layering in the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the prepared pasta mixture into it. Slice the mozzarella and arrange it over the top, then sprinkle everything evenly with grated Parmesan.
7. Baking: Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 190–200 °C. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the mozzarella melts and the cheese topping is nicely golden.
8. Resting and Serving: Remove the finished pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will make it easier to portion. Serve on its own or with fresh vegetables or salad.
Why Cook Pasta Al Dente
Do not cook the penne completely soft, because during the final baking they will absorb more moisture from the tomato and meat mixture. Pasta cooked al dente will better keep its shape and won’t be too soft in the finished bake.
The Role of Each Cheese
Ricotta is mixed directly into the pasta with the meat sauce, giving the mixture a softer, creamier texture. Slices of mozzarella create a melted cheese layer, while grated Parmesan enhances the flavor of the baked top.
Final Tip
Do not cut the bake immediately after taking it out of the oven. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps the mixture settle and makes serving easier. A simple salad or fresh vegetables are a great match for the rich combination of meat, tomatoes, and three cheeses.
