Print

Baked Penne with Sausage Easy Recipe for Cheesy Comfort Meal

baked penne with sausage - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked penne pasta dish with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet, mild, or spicy)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter your 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow package instructions but stop 1-2 minutes before al dente. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to deepen flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Add the browned sausage back into the sauce, stirring to mix evenly. Remove from heat.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage tomato sauce mixture. Toss well so every piece is coated.
  8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Layer the remaining pasta on top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. For an extra crusty finish, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let the baked penne rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for garnish. Serve warm.

Notes

[‘Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.’, ‘Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor and texture.’, ‘Simmer the sauce to thicken and intensify flavors.’, ‘Mix mozzarella with parmesan for a creamy, nutty cheese blend.’, ‘Use a hot oven (375°F) to melt cheese evenly without drying out the pasta.’, ‘Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese.’, ‘Let the dish rest before serving to thicken the sauce and ease slicing.’, ‘Substitute gluten-free penne and turkey sausage for dietary needs.’, ‘For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives and olive oil instead of butter.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: baked penne, sausage pasta bake, cheesy pasta, comfort food, Italian sausage recipe, easy pasta bake, family dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/baked-penne-with-sausage-easy-recipe-for-cheesy-comfort-meal/