Italian Sausage and Penne Bake
Cheesy, comforting, and bursting with rich Italian flavors, this Italian Sausage and Penne Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing dish. Tender penne pasta is coated in a robust marinara sauce infused with savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes (optional for heat lovers!). Topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and grated Parmesan, this baked pasta masterpiece achieves the perfect golden crust in the oven. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, cheesy casserole. Effortlessly customizable and perfect for meal prepping, this dish is best served hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Whether for a cozy dinner or a potluck hit, this Italian-inspired classic is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the sausage marinara sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
518 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.7 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1302 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.3 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
