Palermo Baked Pasta Recipe

Cook pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb penne and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (about 8 minutes) until very al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

Assemble and bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and most of the sauce (see sauce steps) until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving; scatter torn fresh basil over the hot pasta.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb removed-casing Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Push sausage to the side and add the diced onion; sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red pepper flakes and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir the aromatics into the sausage so everything is combined. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside while you make the sauce.

In the same skillet over medium heat, add the cooked sausage and aromatics back in. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add one 28 oz can crushed tomatoes and 1 cup broth, stir to combine. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook gently 8–10 minutes to meld flavors.

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce turns a warm pink-orange color and is slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. If sauce seems too thick to coat pasta, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Combine sauce with cooked pasta and cheeses as directed in the assembly step so all components are evenly distributed prior to baking.

After baking, garnish with extra red pepper flakes and additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot.