Baked Penne with Sausage and Peppers
Hearty Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions tossed with penne pasta and a rich marinara sauce, then baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella. A perfect family-friendly comfort food casserole.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- 2
In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil
- a.Add the penne and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a separate bowl.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and chopped onion to the remaining sausage drippings. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables
- a.Pour in the marinara sauce, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
Add the drained al dente pasta to the skillet with the sauce
- a.Gently stir until the pasta is fully coated. Remove from heat.
- 7
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish
- a.Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 9
Bake for 20 minutes
- a.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- 10
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes
- a.This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Undercooking the pasta is key! It will absorb sauce and continue cooking in the oven, so pulling it out early prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 2For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the sauce.
- 3Use a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- 4Letting the baked pasta rest is crucial. It helps the layers set, so you can cut clean, beautiful slices instead of a soupy pile.
- 5This dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when baking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or 1 lb of mixed mushrooms (like cremini and shiitake) for an earthy flavor.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer, creamier texture, mix 1 cup of whole-milk ricotta cheese with the pasta and sauce before layering it in the baking dish.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Use hot Italian sausage, double the red pepper flakes, and add a chopped jalapeño or cherry peppers along with the bell peppers.
Different PastaDifferent Pasta
This recipe works wonderfully with other tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or ziti, which are excellent for catching the hearty sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of Italian sausage and cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
Rich in Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the penne pasta are broken down into glucose, providing a primary source of energy for your body and brain to function effectively.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Baked Penne with Sausage and Peppers contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific type of sausage and marinara sauce used.