Baked Penne with Italian Sausage Recipe

With tips, and variations, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal with layers of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just treating yourself to a comforting dinner, baked penne with Italian sausage is a crowd-pleasing classic.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add in the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). You don’t want it overcooked as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water. This water can be used to thin out your sauce if needed. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure to drain any excess fat from the sausage once cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, with the sausage still in the pan, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir to combine everything.

Now, season the sauce with the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. If you find the sauce too acidic, you can stir in the sugar to balance out the flavors. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a deep, rich flavor.

After the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the cheese filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste the mixture and season with a little salt and pepper if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Penne

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray.

Now, it’s time to assemble your baked penne:

1. Layer the bottom of the dish with a small amount of the tomato sauce mixture (just enough to cover the base).
2. Add half of the cooked penne pasta over the sauce.
3. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
4. Top with half of the remaining tomato sauce, spreading it evenly over the cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

Repeat this layering process once more with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Once everything is layered, top the dish with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake the Penne

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The edges should be crispy, and the center should be hot.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the baked penne is out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Penne with Italian Sausage:

• Use high-quality sausage: The sausage is the star of the dish, so opt for high-quality Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
• Adjust the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give the dish a slight heat, while a spoonful of sugar can counteract the acidity from the tomatoes.
• Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work great, fresh basil and parsley can elevate the flavor of the dish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
• Make ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you do this, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
• Extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or other cheese varieties, such as provolone or gouda, to make it extra cheesy.

Variations and Add-ins:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Option: Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage for an added kick.
• Cheese Variety: Mix in different cheeses like fontina, gouda, or provolone for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this cheesy pasta dish.
• Green Salad: Serve with a light, refreshing green salad to balance out the richness of the baked penne.
• Red Wine: Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the flavors.

Final Thoughts on Baked Penne with Italian Sausage

Baked penne with Italian sausage is a comforting, hearty dish that delivers bold flavors with every bite. From the savory sausage and tangy tomato sauce to the creamy ricotta and mozzarella, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary preferences.

With a few tweaks and variations, you can turn this dish into something new each time you make it. Plus, the fact that it stores and reheats so well means it’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for busy days.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or enjoying leftovers the next day, baked penne with Italian sausage is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Yield: 6-8

Baked Penne with Italian Sausage Recipe

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With tips, and variations, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal with layers of flavor. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or just treating yourself to a comforting dinner, baked penne with Italian sausage is a crowd-pleasing classic.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it (about 1-2 minutes less). Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it's fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
4. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Make the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream.
6. Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
7. Assemble: Pour the pasta and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

• Substitutions: You can swap the Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a leaner option. Additionally, use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free version.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, try provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.