It is 6pm and you need a dinner that everyone loves. If you are craving something warm and filling, this is it. This Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne delivers big flavor with very little stress. It is the perfect solution for a hectic evening.
Why You Will Love Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne
You will love how this meal fills your kitchen with amazing smells. It is a hearty choice for a chilly Fall evening. This recipe is reliable and ready in under an hour. You get maximum comfort with minimal effort every single time. It is a guaranteed win for the whole family.
How This Comes Together
This dish comes together in three simple stages. You boil the pasta, brown the meat, and bake it all. Using a good jarred marinara saves you tons of time. Even beginners can master this one-pan style dinner easily. It is almost impossible to mess this up.
What You Will Need
These simple pantry staples create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne until 2 minutes before reaching al dente consistency; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until cooked through.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, fold together the par-cooked penne, the sausage sauce mixture, and the ricotta cheese until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Top the dish with an even distribution of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden-brown, and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before resting for 5 minutes prior to service.
How To Serve It
Serve this hot right out of the oven for the best experience. A simple side salad or garlic bread works perfectly. It is a great meal for casual hosting or a quiet night. The golden bubbly cheese makes a great impression on guests. Your family will definitely ask for seconds.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for three days. This pasta actually tastes better the next day. Reheat it in the microwave or a low oven. Add a splash of water if it looks dry. You can also freeze individual portions for easy lunches later.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Undercook your pasta by two minutes before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the most robust flavor.
- Don’t skip the ricotta for that extra creamy texture inside.
- Swap for turkey sausage to keep the meal a bit lighter.
- This is a perfect game day meal for a hungry crowd.
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving to set.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a better aroma.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce for a boost of greens.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you want more heat.
- Try rotini or shells instead of penne for a different look.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone for a sharper flavor profile.
Quick Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you are ready for dinner. You may need five extra minutes in the oven.
What if I do not like ricotta?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or extra mozzarella. It will still be delicious and very cheesy. Both options melt beautifully in the oven.
I hope your family enjoys this hearty pasta bake as much as mine does. It is truly the ultimate comfort food for a busy night. Happy cooking!
— Ethan
Cheesy Baked Sausage Penne
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne until 2 minutes before reaching al dente consistency; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until cooked through.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, fold together the par-cooked penne, the sausage sauce mixture, and the ricotta cheese until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Top the dish with an even distribution of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden-brown, and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before resting for 5 minutes prior to service.
