Baked Penne Pasta

This Italian dish is another way of having the Penne pasta. The top layer of the pasta is very crispy and second layer is very juicy and delicious. I liked the combined texture,with cheese in it, it gives a treat to the taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

1) Penne pasta - 1 box
2) Marinara sauce (tomato basil) - 1 bottle or 3 1/2 cups
3) Mozzarella cheese - 2 tblsp grated and 1/2 cup cut into cubes
4) Vegetables:
a) Green bell pepper - 1 chopped into big pieces
b) Onion - 1 chopped into big pieces
c) Sliced black olives - 1 small can or 1/2 cup
d) Mushrooms - 1 cup chopped into big pieces.
(You can add any other vegetables you want, I thought the above vegetables gave exact taste and texture I wanted.)
5) Black pepper powder- 2 tblsp
6) Olive oil - 2 tblsp
7) Garlic - 1 pod finely chopped
8) Tomato Ketchup - 2 tblsp
9) Salt to taste
10 ) Italian seasonings - 2 tsp
11) Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup

Cook the pasta as per the instructions on the box. Drain the pasta and keep aside.

Meanwhile, in a frying pan, saute all the vegetables along with garlic in olive oil . Add salt and pepper.Then add tomato ketchup and fry for 10 to 12 mins or till all the vegetables become tender. Add the Italian seasonings.

Pre-heat the oven at 375 degrees.

In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta,vegetables, marinara sauce and both the cheeses (use half of the Parmesan cheese now).

In a baking dish (I used 8X8 dish) transfer all the ingredients from the bowl to the dish , garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake for 25 mins at 375 degrees.

Hot Penne pasta ready!!!! Serve it immediately. Enjoy :)