Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

This Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. With its cheesy layers and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any table. The combination of hearty pasta, zesty marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses creates a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This dish combines Italian sausage with melty cheeses, creating a rich flavor profile that comforts and delights.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course for dinner or enjoy leftovers for lunch; it fits perfectly into any meal plan!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for families or gatherings, this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd without much effort.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or use different types of cheese for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• 9×13 baking dish
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta, ensuring even cooking and preventing overflow.
• Large pan: Essential for browning the sausage and combining flavors effectively.
• 9×13 baking dish: Ideal for layering your baked penne pasta and achieving that golden-brown crust.

Ingredients

This cheesy baked penne pasta with Italian sausage is pure comfort food! The pasta is tossed with sausage and marinara sauce, topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.

For the Pasta

• 1 pound penne pasta

For the Sausage Mixture

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed if needed)
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• Olive oil for pan
• 2 24- oz jars marinara sauce – your favorite brand
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

For the Cheesy Topping

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk (not part-skim))
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your pasta bakes evenly once assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot filled with generously salted water, bring it to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, but be cautious not to overcook it; it will continue cooking in the oven later.

Step 3: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

1. In a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
2. Cook the Italian sausage for about 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Add minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients

1. Stir in marinara sauce and fresh basil into the sausage mixture.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a simmer, cooking uncovered for about 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Transfer about ¾ of the meat sauce into the pot with the cooked penne pasta; stir until evenly coated.
2. Pour this mixture into a large 9×13 baking dish.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

1. Evenly spoon ricotta cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, pushing some down into it.
2. Top with remaining meat sauce followed by an even layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 7: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 35–40 minutes until cheese melts.
Afterward, uncover and broil on high for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Serve

Allow cooling for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy this cheesy delight!

How to Serve Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

Serving baked penne pasta with sausage can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss together arugula, spinach, and other greens with a light vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and creamy flavor that complements the dish well.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze will add a refreshing contrast.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toast slices of baguette brushed with garlic butter for a delicious side.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Top garlic bread with mozzarella for an extra cheesy treat that pairs perfectly.

Include Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots brings out their natural sweetness.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

Offer a Variety of Cheeses

• Parmesan Shavings: Freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the creamy flavors of the baked penne.
• Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, sprinkle some feta cheese on top right before serving.

How to Perfect Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

Creating the perfect baked penne pasta with sausage involves a few key steps. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors in your dish.
• Proper pasta cooking: Slightly undercook the penne so it maintains its texture during baking.
• Use quality marinara sauce: A flavorful marinara sauce makes all the difference in taste; choose one that you love!
• Layering cheese wisely: Distributing different cheeses throughout adds depth and creaminess to each bite.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your dish to cool slightly will help it set and make slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

Complementing your baked penne pasta with sausage is easy when you choose the right sides. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
2. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses brings variety and vibrant colors to your table.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction makes for a light appetizer.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese or herb mixtures create an elegant side option.
5. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters packed with zucchini offer a tasty way to include more veggies in your meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter provides a sweet contrast to the rich pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking your pasta too long before baking can lead to mushy results. Aim for al dente so it holds up during baking.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season your sauce properly can result in bland pasta. Always taste and adjust seasoning before mixing.
• Not Mixing Enough: If you don’t mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly, some bites may be dry while others are overly saucy. Ensure even coating for great flavor.
• Forgetting to Broil: Not broiling the dish at the end means missing out on that delicious golden crust. Don’t skip this step for extra texture!
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can affect the overall flavor and texture of your dish. Use good-quality cheeses for a creamy and rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the baked penne pasta to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

• Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container.

Reheating Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage.

Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage options for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, and use vegetarian cheese options.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it beforehand and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What sides go well with Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage?

Serve it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage is not just delicious; it’s also highly versatile! You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or swapping out meats based on your preferences. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!