If you are craving a comfort meal bursting with flavor, the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender al dente penne pasta lovingly smothered in a rich marinara sauce enhanced by savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and plenty of melty cheeses baked to golden perfection. This dish is a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan that creates a satisfying, hearty dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe never fails to deliver a delicious experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe is simple but essential to unlocking the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the pasta providing a tender bite, to the sausage’s rich savoriness, and the cheeses bringing that iconic melty, gooey finish.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Choose quality dried penne that holds its shape well when baked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage evenly.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): A flavorful, slightly spiced protein base that infuses the dish.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Contributes sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Essential aromatic that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for a robust tomato foundation.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a classic herbal note that complements Italian dishes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a hint of peppery spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat kick that awakens the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle warmth and spice.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it offers a luscious texture contrast.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty, stretchy cheese effect.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp complexity as a finishing touch.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by heating salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta just shy of al dente—about one minute less than the package suggests. This timing is key because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you want it tender yet still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to join the meaty, saucy magic.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Mixture
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat before adding the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant to build layers of flavor that will mingle perfectly with the marinara.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Now stir in your marinara sauce along with the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes to help the flavors meld. This step transforms simple canned sauce into something truly memorable and bursting with herbaceous goodness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooked penne pasta, the savory sausage sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and one cup of shredded mozzarella. Make sure everything is well-coated and evenly mixed, so every bite promises that perfect combination of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Pop it into the oven preheated at 375°F and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling hot and golden brown on the surface. Allow it to rest a few minutes out of the oven so it sets slightly—this makes serving easier and the flavors even more harmonious.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that brightens the richness of the dish. If you like, a little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving can also heighten the savory notes and add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This baked penne pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly in vinaigrette, steamed seasonal vegetables, or even buttery garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Choose sides with contrasting textures and fresh flavors to balance the hearty pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for a warm, rustic feel. If you want to impress guests, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with herbs and Parmesan for an elegant presentation. Individual ramekins baked and served portioned out also make for adorable and impressive family-style dining experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Flavors often deepen, making your leftovers even more comforting.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, which makes it a great meal prep candidate. Assemble it fully but do not bake before freezing. Wrap it tightly in foil and store for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the baking time and covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. If short on time, microwaving individual portions on medium power works well too—just try to cover to retain moisture and keep that cheesy goodness intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works nicely in the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe. You may want to add a little extra seasoning since turkey is milder than sausage, but it will still yield a delicious casserole.
Is it okay to use fresh pasta for this bake?
Fresh pasta tends to be more delicate and cooks faster than dried, so if using it, handle it gently and shorten the oven baking time. It can create an even softer texture, which some people love in baked pasta dishes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. Most gluten-free pastas hold up well in baking but watch the cooking time for al dente to avoid mushiness.
How spicy is this dish?
The Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe can be mild or carry a gentle kick depending on your sausage choice and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Use sweet or mild Italian sausage for a family-friendly meal or spicy sausage and red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting and joyous about a big, bubbling tray of the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe fresh from the oven. It’s that combination of hearty Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta that makes this dish a weeknight favorite and a crowd-pleaser alike. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a deliciously simple way to bring everyone together with a warm, cheesy hug of flavor.
Print
Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, a rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses, topped with Parmesan for a golden crust.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sausage Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked penne pasta, sausage and sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread evenly, then top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick of heat in this dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the sausage.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; if baking cold, add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.
