Italian Baked Oven Pasta

Inspired by my husbands two year LDS mission to Italy, this dish is hands down my families favorite meal! Nobody is disappointed when I tell them this is what we're having for dinner! It does take a little prep work, and a few pans, but I promise once it's done you won't regret the time that went into making it.

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Italian Baked Oven Pasta

• 1 lb. ground turkey breast (white meat only), or for a more moist dish, substitute for Italian sausage. I love to use a hot Italian sausage to give it a little spice.

• 1 small onion (150g)

• 2 cloves garlic, pressed

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomato

• 2 tbsp. Butter

• 2 tbsp. Flour

• 1 cup skim milk

• 10 tbsp. Fresh parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tsp fresh nutmeg, grated

• 12 oz Barilla penne pasta

1. Set oven to 400 degrees and set aside a 9x13 baking dish

2. If you haven’t already, grate your parmesan cheese and nutmeg.

3. In a small sauce pan melt together butter and flour over medium heat to create a thick paste. Add milk and stir until paste is dissolved. Continue to cook over medium heat until the milk mixture thickens and begins to gurgle. Add the grated cheese and nutmeg with 1/2 tsp salt and a 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir in until well combined. Turn heat to lowest setting and let sit while prepping the rest of the meal.

4. In a large stock pot add 6+ cups of water and 1 tbsp salt and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling add pasta and allow to cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta has become soft. Drain and set aside.

5. While pasta is cooking add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once warm add onion and garlic and cook 5-6 minutes until onion has become translucent. Add ground turkey and cook thoroughly. Add can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, basil and rosemary. Simmer together for a few minutes.

6. In your 9x13 pan add the pasta. Pour the red sauce over the pasta, the pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta. With a large spoon gently turn the pasta over itself until the pasta and both sauces are well combined.

7. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 20-30 minutes.

Serves 6

Calories: 399

C:59.5 F:9.7 P:19.3