It is from that region of Italy where tomatoes are used in abundance and this is my twist on it!!! As always, easy to make and delish to eat!!
Ingredients:
1 pound dried penne pasta
1 jar any of your favorite Marinara sauce (Pasta sauce/Tomato sauce)
1 jar (the same jar) water
5 Roma tomatoes or any kind of tomatoes, sliced into ringlets
1 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. Cayenne pepper powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup olive oil (regular), divided
1 cup blend of italian cheeses ( provolone, asiago, mozzarella, Parmesan)/ mozzarella
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
How to Proceed:
Preheat oven to 450F.
Grease 13x9 pan generously with 2 tbsp. olive oil on the bottom and the sides of the pan.
Bring the marinara sauce, the water, the seasoning, cayenne, salt to taste, 3 tbsp. olive oil, 1/3 cup cheese (the blend or mozzarella).
Once the sauce comes to a gentle boil, add the dried pasta (yes!!... that easy!!) and mix well.
Once everything is mixed well, add the pasta-tomato mixture into the greased pan. Top it with the tomato slices, slightly overlapping and then the remaining blend of cheese, a tbsp. or two Parmesan cheese, and drizzle generously the remaining olive oil.
Note: Cheese is not used so much in this region of Italy.... I wanted to add some protein to this dish, so added them. This is a perfect dish for dairy free palates!
Bake it at 450F for 30 minutes covered with Aluminum foil.
