Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Baked Penne Pasta featuring savory sausage, melty cheeses, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish is layered with flavor and warmth that will satisfy your cravings. The penne pasta is enveloped in a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella, topped with a golden crust that adds to its irresistible charm. Easy to prepare and entirely customizable, it’s a delightful way to gather loved ones around the table. Make this hearty meal today and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (chicken or turkey)
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and brown the sausage for about 6 minutes. Add garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and fresh basil; season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 6–8 minutes.
- Combine cooked penne with three-quarters of the meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer ricotta cheese on top, followed by remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes; uncover and broil for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (226g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg