A new twist to the pasta : Three-Cheese Bake

                                                             

Ingredients
Butter, for greasing
dried penne  1+3/4 cups
olive oil 1 tsp
cups ricotta cheese 1+1/2
grated mozzarella cheese 1 cup
grated permesan cheese 4 tsp
4 fresh basil sprigs
salt and black pepper
fresh basil leaves to garnish
                                               serves 4


1. Lightly grease an ovenproof dish.
2.Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil, add penne and olive oil, cook until just tender, set aide.
3.Add salt and black pepper to the ricotta cheese.
4. Spoon half of the penne into the greased dish and cover with the basil leaves.
5.Spoon over half of the ricotta cheese mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and then top with the remaining basil leaves. Cover with the remaining pasta and ricotta cheese. Lightly sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 deg Celsius for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown .
7. Garnish with basil leaves and serve hot with some fresh salad.


note: variations can be done with the type of the pasta, Fusilli or Rigatoni can also be used.


Enjoy an Italian meal cooked at home.