Italian Sausage Penne Casserole Recipe
When it comes to heartwarming, cozy meals, few dishes rival the appeal of a classic casserole. And if you’re craving something packed with flavor, comfort, and Italian-inspired flair, this Italian Sausage Penne Casserole is the recipe for you! Combining savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is designed to bring everyone to the table with excitement.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a make-ahead dish for gatherings, this casserole ticks all the boxes. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying, with every bite filled with hearty sausage, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step to make this flavorful Italian Sausage Penne Casserole, along with tips, serving suggestions, and much more.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, dice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Shred the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan if you’re using blocks of cheese.
2. Cooking the Pasta
Cook Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook it according to the package instructions, stopping when it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
3. Sautéing the Sausage and Vegetables
Sauté Italian Sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if needed.
Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened, about 3-4 minutes. This adds depth to the flavor and ensures the vegetables are tender.
4. Making the Sauce
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken slightly and take on a rich, hearty aroma.
5. Assembling the Casserole
Preheat the Oven: While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage and tomato sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Add Mozzarella: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will start to melt slightly, adding creaminess throughout the casserole.
6. Layering the Casserole
Layer the Mixture in a Baking Dish: Pour half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Add the Second Layer: Pour the rest of the pasta mixture on top, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This layering creates a gooey, cheesy top layer that’s wonderfully satisfying.
7. Baking the Casserole
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
Uncover and Broil: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
8. Garnishing and Serving
Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serve: Scoop generous portions of the casserole onto plates, and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
1. Use High-Quality Sausage
The flavor of the sausage plays a major role in this dish. Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage, whether you prefer sweet, mild, or spicy. The better the sausage, the richer the casserole will taste.
2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Cooking the pasta until it’s just al dente prevents it from becoming too soft when baked. Since the pasta continues to cook slightly in the oven, this step is key to achieving the perfect texture.
3. Add a Kick with Red Pepper Flakes
If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes. They add a subtle spiciness that complements the flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
This Italian Sausage Penne Casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with Italian dressing complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a healthy side.
- Red Wine: A robust Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with the flavors of the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits of Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
While this dish is indulgent, it also provides some nutritional benefits:
- Protein-Rich: The Italian sausage and cheese provide ample protein.
- Tomatoes: The tomato-based sauce is packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health.
- Calcium: The mozzarella and Parmesan add a good amount of calcium, beneficial for bone health.
- Carbohydrates: The pasta provides a source of carbohydrates, essential for energy.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Penne Casserole is a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting. With savory Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and a hearty tomato sauce, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, an easy make-ahead meal, or something to serve at a gathering, this casserole will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a casserole that’s destined to become a new favorite in your household. Buon appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of penne?
Yes, you can substitute penne with similar pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the ideal texture.
2. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you’re out of Italian seasoning, you can create a quick blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust the quantities to your taste.
3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Italian Sausage Penne Casserole Recipe
When it comes to heartwarming, cozy meals, few dishes rival the appeal of a classic casserole. And if you’re craving something packed with flavor, comfort, and Italian-inspired flair, this Italian Sausage Penne Casserole is the recipe for you! Combining savory Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is designed to bring everyone to the table with excitement.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. - Make the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to give the casserole a spicy kick.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute whole wheat pasta and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.