Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Alfredo and Spaghetti Sauce

Certainly! Here’s a revised version of the Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta recipe along with your additional information:

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of penne pasta
  • 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
  • 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In another pot, combine the Alfredo sauce and spaghetti sauce over medium heat. Stir well to mix them together.
  4. Add Seasonings: To the sauce, add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce until the seasonings are well incorporated.
  5. Add Cheese: Gradually add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and cheese mixture.
  7. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Transfer the saucy pasta to a baking dish. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
  10. Enjoy: Serve the cheesy baked penne pasta hot, with garlic bread and a fresh green salad on the side. Enjoy your delicious and comforting homemade pasta dish!

Additional Information:

  • Low-Carb Modification: The Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta is not low-carb. To make a low-carb version, consider using alternatives to traditional pasta, such as zoodles or shirataki noodles, and a homemade Alfredo sauce with low-carb ingredients.
  • FAQs:
    • Different Pasta: Yes, you can use different pasta types, but adjust baking time accordingly.
    • Prepare in Advance: Yes, assemble in advance and bake later with added baking time.
    • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish; thaw before baking.
    • Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
    • Additions: Add meat or veggies for variety.
    • Spiciness: Adjust spiciness with chili flakes, hot sauce, or black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious cheesy baked penne pasta!

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