Penne Pasta Casserole

By KimberlyB

Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef or 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 (14 oz) can diced herb flavored tomatoes
• 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• salt and pepper to season
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley to garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish (or you can use individual portion ramekins)

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Drop in the pasta and cook 8-10 minutes to el dente.

Drain and put the pasta into a large bowl.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add the onions. Saute until soft and translucent.

Add the beef or turkey to the skillet. Crumble the meat as it is cooking and cook until no pink is showing. Drain and fat off.

Stir the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water into the meat mixture.

Add salt and pepper to season to taste.

Add the meat sauce to the cooked pasta and 2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

Spoon into the baking dish (or individual dishes) and top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.