Savory Penne Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Penne Bake! This hearty dish combines al dente penne pasta with a bold, flavor-packed marinara sauce made from savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and rich crushed tomatoes, perfectly seasoned with classic Italian herbs and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, this baked pasta dish is beautifully golden and bubbling by the time it emerges from the oven. Ready in just an hour and perfect for serving a crowd, this easy-to-make casserole is an irresistible weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it’s a cheesy, saucy masterpiece your family will crave again and again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casing)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a thin coat of olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage marinara sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the layer of pasta, and then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots.
Let the penne bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired and enjoy your savory creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
653 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.2 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1296 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.6 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 699 mg | 15% | |
*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.
