Discover the ultimate Italian Sausage Baked Penne, a comforting and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This recipe offers a delicious and fuss-free way to enjoy classic Italian flavors, making it a go-to for any home cook.
Key Ingredients for Italian Sausage Baked Penne
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Italian Sausage Baked Penne
This Italian Sausage Baked Penne is astonishingly simple to make, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In just about an hour, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying pasta bake that will be a guaranteed hit. The combination of savory Italian sausage, robust tomato sauce, and a generous topping of melted cheese makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. It should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage and tomato mixture.
- Pour about half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Italian Sausage Baked Penne stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Baked Penne
You’ll adore this Italian Sausage Baked Penne for its incredibly hearty and comforting nature, featuring perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a rich, savory Italian sausage and tomato sauce, all topped with a glorious blanket of melted cheese. Making this dish at home is a smart choice, significantly more budget-friendly than dining out, and offers a wholesome meal with high-quality ingredients. The optional red pepper flakes add a delightful kick, while the creamy texture and deep, satisfying flavors make it a standout compared to a simple marinara pasta. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for seconds!
This baked penne is the ultimate weeknight warrior or weekend indulgence, proving that a delicious, restaurant-quality meal can be achieved with ease and affordability right in your own kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your preference, making it a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners and gatherings alike. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this Italian Sausage Baked Penne for yourself!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the Italian Sausage Baked Penne to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven Method (Recommended for best texture): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the desired portion of baked penne in an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese topping.
- Microwave Method: Place a portion of the baked penne on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until hot. Stir halfway through for even heating. Please note that the cheese topping may not be as crisp using this method.
Freezing for Future Meals:
- Once cooled, portion the baked penne into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- You can store individual portions or a larger batch.
- Frozen Italian Sausage Baked Penne can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, place the portion in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until heated through, removing foil for the last 10-15 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the portion.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Baked Penne truly embodies comfort food at its finest. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful dish, and savor every cheesy, saucy bite – you won’t be disappointed!
Italian Sausage Baked Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. It should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.1 pound penne pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sausage and tomato mixture.1 pound penne pasta
- Pour about half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Italian Sausage Baked Penne stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)