If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish, this Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, cheesy delight where perfectly cooked penne meets savory Italian sausage and rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor, making it an instant favorite for family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making this dish shine. From the tender pasta that holds every bite to the savory sausage and melty cheeses that give it that irresistible richness, every component is a star here.
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta: Choose a good-quality pasta that holds sauce well for the best texture.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Adds savory, spiced flavor; opt for sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatics that enhance the sausage.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant depth to the sauce honoring classic Italian flavors.
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce: Use a robust, well-seasoned marinara to keep things simple yet flavorful.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat boost if you enjoy a bit of spice.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar: Melts beautifully to create that cheesy, golden topping everyone loves.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty tang and a nutty finish to the dish’s top layer.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out the best flavors in every bite.
How to Make Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third. This ensures the cheesy topping will brown nicely without overcooking the pasta underneath.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne. Cook it for 2 minutes less than the package indicates to keep it slightly firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and transfer it directly to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Onion
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. If you notice excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out to avoid greasiness.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until it becomes aromatic – this step will infuse the entire dish with that classic savory punch.
Step 5: Mix in the Sauce and Spices
Pour in the marinara sauce along with the crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let everything simmer on the stove for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce warms through.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the penne in your baking dish. Add salt and pepper to balance the flavors, then gently toss everything to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce. Spread it out evenly for even baking.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar and freshly grated parmesan over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then switch to the broiler for just a few minutes to get a gorgeous golden-brown crust on the cheese. Watch closely to prevent burning, and serve immediately while bubbling hot.
How to Serve Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of color and fresh flavor, making your Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe come alive right on the plate. A drizzle of good olive oil or a grating of extra parmesan can also elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia bread is also perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked penne straight from the oven in the same pan for a rustic family-style feel, or dish it out into individual bowls for a cozy dinner. For a fun twist, try layering the pasta and sausage mixture in individual ramekins before baking to create personal casseroles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making this recipe perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
This Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to keep the moisture in, but the oven gives that fresh-baked texture back perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure it’s seasoned similarly or adjust the spices to maintain that delicious Italian vibe.
Do I have to use penne pasta?
Not at all. While penne is ideal because it holds sauce wonderfully, you can substitute rigatoni, ziti, or even a short pasta like rotini if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Yes! The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but the dish is flavorful enough without them. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You sure can. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What cheese is best for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully to give that gooey, stretchy texture, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor. Mixing both cheeses with parmesan results in the perfect cheesy crust that’s rich and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about an Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe that combines comforting flavors with effortless cooking. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers warmth, richness, and pure deliciousness in every forkful. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it will likely become your go-to baked pasta favorite.
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Easy Baked Penne with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Baked Penne with Sausage is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender penne pasta combined with savory browned Italian sausage, aromatic onion and garlic, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect family-friendly weeknight dinner or cozy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
Sausage Mixture
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed or bulk sausage)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven, preparing it for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend to ensure it retains some firmness. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown Sausage and Onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. If there is excess fat rendered, carefully spoon most of it out.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and add crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the mixture for a couple more minutes until the sauce is warmed through.
- Combine Mixture with Pasta: Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss gently until all pasta is evenly coated. Spread the mixture out into an even layer in the dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil to Brown: Switch the oven to broil and cook for a few minutes to brown and slightly crisp the cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a richer sauce, consider using homemade marinara or add a splash of red wine to the sauce during cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness or omit completely for a milder dish.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish up to step 7, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to cook through if cold.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
