Baked Penne with Sausage
Hearty penne pasta tossed in a rich, savory tomato sauce with crumbled Italian sausage, then baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A perfect comfort food casserole for a family dinner that's easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tbsp of salt to a rolling boil
- a.Add the penne pasta and cook until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce
- a.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- 4
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes
- a.Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to caramelize it. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 6
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet
- a.Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- 7
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce
- a.Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until it's distributed in creamy pockets throughout the pasta.
- 8
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish
- a.Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan over the top.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- 10
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slightly undercook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 2For the best flavor and melt, use whole milk ricotta and low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. Shred your own mozzarella if possible.
- 3Don't skip resting the casserole after baking. It allows the layers to set, so it holds its shape better when served.
- 4Cooking the tomato paste for a minute before adding liquids caramelizes it and adds a deeper, richer tomato flavor to the sauce.
- 5Reserve some of the starchy pasta water. It's perfect for thinning the sauce if it gets too thick, and the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- 6For a make-ahead meal, assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and add 1 lb of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based sausage substitute.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, to your preference.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
Stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the tomato sauce at the end of simmering for an even richer, creamier texture.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
Substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of ground beef and pork.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The Italian sausage and various cheeses provide a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and promoting heart health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the penne pasta offer a great source of complex carbs, providing sustained energy to fuel your daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this baked penne contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific type of sausage and cheese used. It's a hearty, energy-dense meal.