Pasta Parmesan

Pasta in tomato sauce can be a fantastic feast—it just needs a few accents to take it beyond basic. Luckily, we’ve got some good ones. This penne in marinara comes with bell pepper, Tuscan herbs and spices, a cheesy breadcrumb crust, and a drizzle of basil oil. Once you’ve tossed everything together and popped it in the oven, you’re just minutes away from cheesy, herbaceous, saucy, and just ever so slightly spicy bliss.

Difficulty: Beginner

Prep time: 10 Mins.

Cook time: 25 Mins.

Directions

  1. Step One: Heat broiler to high. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Core, deseed, and dice bell pepper. Halve, peel, and dice onion. Mince or grate garlic. Cut mozzarella into ½-inch cubes.
  2. Step Two: Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water (¾ cup for 4 servings), then drain.
  3. Step Three: Meanwhile, heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring, until just browned, 4-6 minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, and half the Tuscan Heat Spice (you’ll use the rest later). Cook, stirring, until onion is softened, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step Four: Add marinara sauce, penne, remaining Tuscan Heat Spice, and reserved pasta cooking water to pan with veggies; stir to combine. Let simmer until warmed through, 3-4 minutes. Stir in half the parmesan (you’ll use the rest later). Season with plenty of salt and pepper.
    TIP: If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer pasta now to a baking dish.
  5. Step Five: In a small bowl, stir together panko, remaining Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Top pasta with mozzarella, then panko mixture.
  6. Step Six: Transfer pasta to top rack and broil until panko is golden brown, sauce is bubbly, and cheese has melted, 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly, then divide between plates or bowls. Drizzle with basil oil and serve.
    TIP: Watch carefully to avoid burning.