Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Cooking something from scratch is always a delight, and if it’s warm, cheesy, and filling, it becomes an unforgettable experience. Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is a dish that brings both comfort and joy to the table. With tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious blend of melty cheeses and zesty Italian sausage, each bite is a warm hug from the inside. This recipe combines classic Italian flavors, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings.
Table of Contents
I love this dish, not only for its delicious flavor but also for how it brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a weekend family feast or simply looking for a way to spice up weekday dinners, this creamy, cheesy baked pasta has a special place in my heart. Trust me when I say it’s a crowd-pleaser that rivals any restaurant dish, making it worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Grab your favorite apron and prepare to create something genuinely comforting, because this recipe is calling your name.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking, making it a snap to whip up.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and gooey cheese creates a robust, flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole comes out of the oven bubbling and golden, ready to impress your guests!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy as a casual weeknight dinner, or serve it at parties for a comforting communal dish.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptations can easily be made for gluten-free pasta or using plant-based sausage if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz medium pasta shells: Cooked to al dente, these form the base of your casserole. Substitute with penne or any preferred shape.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics, you can replace it with any cooking oil of choice.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: For robust flavor and aroma; freshly minced garlic makes a noticeable difference.
- ½ cup shallots, minced: Adds a sweet onion flavor; regular onions work just as well if you’re in a pinch.
- 12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: A blend of spices in Italian sausage infuses the dish with rich savory flavors. Consider using turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: For a rich, flavorful sauce, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives a deeper color; don’t skip this step!
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity in the sauce. Honey can be a substitute if desired.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Always adjust salt to taste, especially depending on your cheese and sausage.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the flavor profile with warmth; increase the amount for more heat.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: This is optional but can add a pleasant kick.
- ¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Provides creaminess and protein; ricotta can be used as an alternative.
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: The delightfully melty treasure in your casserole; feel free to mix in some provolone for extra flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible bubbly topping when baked; you could also use a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Chopped Italian parsley: Just for garnish, it adds a lovely touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Cook pasta: Start by cooking 8 oz medium pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the shells and let them cool down while you prepare the sauce. This way, they won’t overcook when baked.
Make sauce: In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened. Then, add the 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces and cooking until browned. Don’t hesitate to drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
Simmer: Next, stir in 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of optional red pepper flakes. Bring this delicious mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. As it cooks, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow the sauce to cool for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sauce, ¾ cup of cottage cheese, and 6 oz of mozzarella cubes. Toss everything together evenly to coat the pasta. Transfer this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top generously with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that ultimate melted topping.
Bake: Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted and bubbly. For a beautiful golden top, broil it for an additional 30-45 seconds, watching closely as it can darken quickly. After, let it stand for about 5-8 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley for that vibrant finish.
Storing & Reheating
If by chance you have leftovers, you can store them at room temperature for a couple of hours. Otherwise, place individual portions in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole, covering it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container where it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Just keep in mind, the texture may change slightly over time, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs can refresh it wonderfully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always taste your sauce as it cooks; adjusting seasonings can elevate the dish.
- Let your casserole sit before serving. This will help it hold its shape better when plated.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage to save time on that browning step.
- Experiment with different types of cheeses! A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina can take it to a whole new level.
- Make-ahead? Assemble it, cover it with foil, refrigerate, and bake it later. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Each forkful captures comforting flavors that warm your heart. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your preferences, and make this dish your own! You’ll cherish it as much as I do.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for heartiness.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What can I serve with this dish?
This cheesy delight pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. A glass of red wine complements the flavors perfectly, making it the ideal dinner choice.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture might slightly change upon reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Savor the delightful Baked Penne, a cheesy oven-baked casserole loaded with rich flavors and simple prep. With pasta shells, Italian sausage, and creamy cheeses, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, minced
- 12 oz italian sausage, removed from casing
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta by preparing pasta shells to al dente according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare sauce by heating olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Simmer by adding crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Assemble by preheating oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooled sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Toss well then transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts. Broil for 30-45 seconds to brown the top. Let stand for 5-8 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add more spices according to personal preference for spicier flavor.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
