Ultimate Cheesy Baked Penne with Italian Sausage: A Hearty Family Favorite
There’s nothing quite like a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish to gather the family around the dinner table, and this classic Baked Penne with Sausage delivers every single time. It’s a symphony of robust flavors, combining savory sweet or spicy Italian sausage with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. All these delicious components are perfectly layered with al dente penne pasta and generous amounts of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it with a crusty cheesy garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself an award-winning feast that promises to rival the best dishes from your favorite local Italian eatery. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy evenings in.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne
- Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Baked Penne with Italian Sausage
- Expert Tips for the Perfect Baked Penne
- What to Serve with Your Hearty Pasta Bake
- Common Questions About Baked Penne
- More Irresistible Baked Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
- Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage Recipe
As a passionate lover of pasta dishes, from the universally adored mac and cheese to the sophisticated creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, it’s genuinely challenging to pick an absolute favorite. However, there’s an undeniable allure to baked penne with its harmonious blend of savory Italian sausage, vibrant tomato sauce, and luscious mozzarella cheese that consistently hits the spot. It embodies the essence of ultimate comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction with every forkful, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare!
What exactly is baked penne? It’s a beloved Italian-American casserole-style dish, celebrated for its heartiness, incredible flavor, and comforting appeal. Imagine a deconstructed lasagna but with a twist, designed for convenience without compromising on taste. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and cherished, perfect for a relaxed evening at home, feeding a hungry crowd, or even for meal prepping throughout the week.
Crafting this delightful pasta bake is a straightforward process. You start by cooking penne pasta to that ideal al dente texture – firm enough to hold its shape through baking. Simultaneously, you brown flavorful Italian sausage, then unite it with a rich, simmering tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. The magic happens next as you layer these components in a baking dish, generously topping each layer with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. A final stint in the oven transforms it into a bubbly, golden masterpiece, with cheese melting into stretchy perfection and all the flavors melding beautifully.
The irresistible combination of tender pasta, seasoned sausage, and creamy cheese is truly a match made in culinary heaven. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a satisfying experience that promises to quell the deepest hunger and leave everyone utterly content. Trust me when I say, once you introduce this dish into your repertoire, it will undoubtedly become a highly requested staple in your regular meal rotation. So, why wait? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible baked penne with sausage a try tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne
- Effortlessly Comes Together in Minutes: This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. From prep to plate, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble this impressive dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal.
- Customizable to Your Heart’s Desire: Whether you prefer the charm of a fully homemade meal or the convenience of store-bought shortcuts, this recipe adapts beautifully. You can opt for my easy 10-minute homemade marinara sauce for an extra fresh touch, or effortlessly use your favorite jarred sauce for a speedy solution (my go-to brand is shared below!). This flexibility ensures you can tailor the dish to your schedule and preferences.
- Leftovers That Taste Even Better: Much like a fine wine, this baked penne only improves with age! Just like my popular turkey bolognese sauce, the flavors in this pasta bake meld and deepen over time, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Enjoy a delicious encore the next day, perhaps for lunch or another quick dinner.
- Versatile Protein Options: Don’t feel limited to Italian sausage! This recipe welcomes any ground meat to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand. Feel free to swap in chicken sausage, ground turkey, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. Each variation brings its own unique deliciousness.
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: This dish has quickly ascended to the top of the most requested weeknight dinners in my own home, and for good reason. Its comforting blend of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese appeals to all ages, making mealtime a breeze for even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: Hosting a potluck, a party, or a large family gathering? This baked penne is a true crowd-pleaser that can feed any size group with minimal effort. It’s easy to scale up and prepare in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating an exceptional baked penne with sausage relies on a careful selection of quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:
- Penne Pasta: This essential ingredient, with its distinctive tube shape and diagonal cuts, is more than just a noodle. Its design makes it an ideal vessel for capturing and holding onto the rich tomato and sausage sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Cooking it to a precise al dente stage is crucial, as it will continue to cook and soften in the oven.
- Olive Oil: The foundation of our dish, a good quality extra virgin olive oil not only provides the fat for sautéing but also imparts a delicate, fruity, and robust flavor to the aromatics. For an outstanding result, I highly recommend Kosterina, my absolute favorite brand, known for its superior taste and quality.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. Its pungent, sweet, and aromatic qualities are key to building a deep flavor base. Avoid pre-packaged minced garlic; the fresh stuff makes an undeniable difference in taste and aroma.
- White Onion: Diced white onion caramelizes beautifully when sautéed, adding a natural sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce. Taking the time to cook the onions until they are translucent and soft unlocks their full flavor potential, creating a more complex and balanced sauce.
- Dried Oregano: A staple in Italian cooking, dried oregano delivers that classic, earthy, and slightly peppery Italian herb flavor that is synonymous with hearty pasta dishes. It perfectly complements the tomatoes and sausage.
- Italian Sausage: The star protein of this dish! You have the flexibility to choose between sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Both varieties bring a fantastic savory element and richness to the sauce. You can also experiment with other ground meats like chicken sausage, ground pork, or even ground beef for a different twist.
- Tomato Sauce: The heart of any great pasta bake. For the best flavor, consider using my 10-minute marinara sauce. If you’re opting for convenience, a high-quality jarred tomato sauce works wonders. My personal favorite store-bought brand is Prego Roasted Garlic & Herb, which boasts a rich, deep tomato flavor and is perfectly seasoned with complementary Italian herbs.
- Tomato Paste: A small but mighty ingredient, tomato paste is essential for intensifying the tomato flavor and adding a desirable thickness to the sauce. It provides a concentrated burst of umami that elevates the entire dish. Look for brands without added sugars for a more authentic and natural taste.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: This is what gives our baked penne its irresistible, gooey, stretchy texture. Fresh mozzarella, typically packed in water, melts beautifully and provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the robust sausage and sauce. Its high moisture content ensures it becomes perfectly golden and bubbly in the oven without drying out.
- Fresh Basil & Grated Parmesan Cheese: These are the finishing touches that elevate the dish. Fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic freshness, while grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich topping that crisps slightly during baking.
For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Penne with Italian Sausage
Creating this delicious Baked Penne with Italian Sausage is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these steps for a perfect pasta bake every time:
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to package directions, but aim for just al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Typically, this takes about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic, diced white onions, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft, and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your sauce.
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Increase the heat slightly to medium. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart into small crumbles. Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and cooked through, typically about 8-10 minutes. Ensure there are no pink bits remaining.
- Build Your Rich Sauce: Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This prevents the sauce from becoming overly oily. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. The tomato paste will add a concentrated depth of flavor. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Finally, add the cooked al dente penne pasta to the pot with the sauce and stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
- Layer and Assemble: Transfer half of the pasta and sausage mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Top this layer with half of your thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta mixture, forming a second layer, and then top with the rest of the sliced mozzarella cheese. Ensure the cheese covers the pasta well for maximum meltiness.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has a beautiful golden-brown hue on top. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the baked penne rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to further meld. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped) and a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Meal Prep Tip: For those busy days, you can assemble the entire dish in your baking pan up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover and proceed with baking as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Baked Penne
- Slice Mozzarella Like a Pro: Achieving thin, even slices of fresh mozzarella can be tricky because it’s so soft. A fantastic hack is to pop the ball of fresh mozzarella into the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This firms it up just enough to make it much easier to cut into perfect, uniform rounds without squishing it.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Remember that your penne will continue to cook and absorb liquid in the oven. Therefore, it’s crucial to cook it only until it’s al dente on the stovetop. If you overcook it initially, you’ll end up with mushy pasta in your final baked dish, which nobody wants!
- Balance Sweet and Spicy Flavors: If you’ve opted for sweet Italian sausage, consider adding a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to your sauce while it simmers. This subtle kick of heat beautifully balances the inherent sweetness of the sausage and tomato, adding an extra layer of complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile without making it overly spicy.
- Season and Taste as You Go: A truly flavorful dish is built by seasoning each component individually. Don’t rely solely on the final seasoning. Taste your pasta water, the sautéed aromatics, the browned sausage, and especially the simmering sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference at each stage to ensure a perfectly seasoned result.
- Allow for Resting Time: It might be tempting to dive straight into your bubbly, cheesy pasta bake fresh from the oven, but patience is a virtue here. Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven serves a few key purposes: it allows the molten cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off the pasta, and it gives all the delicious flavors a chance to further meld and settle, resulting in a more cohesive and enjoyable texture.
- Choose the Right Baking Dish: A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, ensuring enough surface area for proper browning and even cooking. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using two separate dishes or a larger, deeper pan to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less appealing texture.
What to Serve with Your Hearty Pasta Bake
Baked pasta dishes, particularly a rich and satisfying one like this penne with sausage, pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. The right accompaniment can cut through the richness, add freshness, or simply complete the meal. Here are some of my favorite sides that create a balanced and truly satisfying feast:
- Classic Wedge Salad: The crisp, cool lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory pasta.
- Caprese Garlic Bread: A delightful twist on classic garlic bread, featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover mozzarella cheese!
- Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread: The ultimate indulgence, with warm, buttery, cheesy bread that’s perfect for sharing and scooping up every last bit of flavor.
- Caprese Salad with Burrata: A simple yet elegant side made with just four fresh ingredients – creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It adds a light, fresh element.
- Kale Caesar Salad: A healthier, heartier take on the classic Caesar, offering a robust texture and zesty dressing that complements the richness of the pasta.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon add a touch of smoky elegance and a fresh green vegetable to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Balsamic Syrup: This is truly the recipe that has converted countless Brussels sprouts skeptics into devoted lovers! The savory pancetta and sweet balsamic glaze make these roasted sprouts irresistible.
Common Questions About Baked Penne
Absolutely! While penne is traditional and excellent for capturing sauce, this dish is highly versatile. You can easily substitute it with other short, sturdy pasta shapes that hold up well to baking and saucy textures. Great alternatives include rigatoni, ziti (which has straight-cut ends), fusilli, or even cavatappi. The key is to choose a pasta that can scoop up the rich sauce and withstand the baking process without becoming mushy.
Yes, this baked penne freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option! I recommend freezing it in individual portions if you plan to reheat smaller servings at a time; this makes it incredibly convenient to thaw and reheat only what you need. To freeze, allow the baked pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, or microwave individual portions.
The primary distinction between baked ziti and baked penne lies in the type of pasta used. Baked ziti traditionally features ziti pasta, which is a smooth, medium-sized, tubular pasta with straight-cut ends. In contrast, baked penne utilizes penne pasta, characterized by its larger size, ridged surface (often, though not always), and distinctive diagonal cuts at the ends. Both dishes are classic Italian-American baked pasta casseroles that typically incorporate pasta, a rich tomato-based sauce, various cheeses (often mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan), and sometimes meat like sausage or ground beef. While the pasta shape provides a subtle textural difference, the overall flavor profile and comforting experience are quite similar between the two.
Absolutely! To make this baked penne vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage. Instead, you can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce for added texture and nutrients. You could also use a plant-based ground meat alternative that crumbles and browns similarly to sausage for a heartier vegetarian option. Ensure your tomato sauce is also vegetarian-friendly.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best reheating results, you can microwave individual portions or reheat larger amounts in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you desire a crispier cheese topping.
More Irresistible Baked Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting charm of this baked penne, then get ready to keep the pasta party going! There’s a whole world of easy baked pasta recipes waiting to be discovered, including my all-time favorite: Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta, a creamy, herbaceous delight with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Explore these other fantastic options to add more cheesy, bubbly goodness to your meal rotation:
- Pepperoni Pizza Pasta: All the beloved flavors of pizza, transformed into a satisfying pasta bake.
- Baked Feta Pasta: A viral sensation that combines creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and your favorite pasta for a simple yet elegant meal.
- Baked Brie Pasta: Indulgent and sophisticated, this dish features gooey baked brie melting into a luscious pasta sauce.
- Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese: Elevate classic mac and cheese with the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic.
- Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups: Individual portions of cheesy lasagna infused with vibrant pesto, perfect for a personalized meal.
- Easy Turkey Tetrazzini: A creamy, savory casserole that’s ideal for using up leftover turkey or chicken.
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Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta (cooked al dente)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed if links)
- 3 cups homemade or high-quality store-bought tomato sauce (See Kelly’s Notes for recommendation)
- 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnishing
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it just until al dente, about 10 minutes. This ensures it won’t be mushy after baking. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once warm, add the minced garlic, diced onions, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if using links) and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked throughout.
- Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. Stir the cooked pasta into the pot, ensuring it is fully combined with the sauce.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the sliced fresh mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the pasta mixture and the remaining sliced cheese.
- Bake the pasta for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove the baked penne from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
Kelly’s Notes
- When not using homemade tomato sauce, my favorite brand of store-bought tomato sauce is Prego Roasted Garlic & Herb because it has a rich tomato flavor and is seasoned with Italian herbs, providing a convenient and delicious base.
- To get perfectly thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, a smart trick is to place it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes before cutting. This firms up the cheese, making it significantly easier to slice neatly.
- For convenient meal prep on busy days, you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time. Simply cover it and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
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