Baked Penne with Italian Sausage

Get ready to fall head over heels in love with Baked Penne with Italian Sausage! This dreamy dish brings together tender penne, juicy Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce, all under the comforting blanket of melted gooey mozzarella. It’s the perfect hearty dinner for family gatherings or a cozy date night in. And, let me just say, it tastes as good as it sounds. I mean, come on, pasta, sausage, cheese – this has got “flavor bomb” written all over it!

Prep is a breeze and once it’s in the oven, all you’ve to do is daydream about the warmth and taste you’ll soon indulge in. Not over exaggeratedly, this might just be your next favorite go-to pasta dinner because of its simplicity and mouth-watering goodness. So, let’s dive in!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Yield: 3 quarts

Alright Chefs! Let’s get ready to roll up our sleeves and dive into this lusciously delicious cooking experience!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1.5 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Garlic, salt, pepper and other spices

As for equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot, a baking dish and perhaps a glass of wine to sip as you cook!

For optimal results, choose high-quality Italian sausage. This is where your dish will get its flavorful punch. Your marinara sauce is another star here; homemade is always best, but a good quality store-bought sauce will do wonders too. Totally fine to swap out the mozzarella with your cheese of choice! Maybe a spicy pepper jack? Yum!

How To Make Baked Penne with Italian Sausage

1. Firstly, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, saut�� the Italian sausage in olive oil until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and other favorite spices.
3. Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce and transfer the mix into a large baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Finally, pop the dish into the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips For The Best Results

• Ensure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?

A: Absolutely, any type of pasta can be used, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Yes, simply replace the sausage with a vegetarian alternative or increase the amount of cheese.

Q: What can I serve it with?

A: This dish goes well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A: You bet! Feel free to swap mozzarella with your cheese of choice.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?

A: Yes, you can prep the dish, refrigerate it, and then bake it right before serving.

Nutritional Facts of Baked Penne with Italian Sausage

This is a rich, high-calorie dish, but it also provides you with high protein, calcium and iron content. It contains about 500 kcal, 22g of protein, 20g of fat, and 45g of carbohydrates per serving.

And there you have it, folks! A beautiful, hearty, Baked Penne with Italian Sausage that’s ready to wow your taste buds. Serve this bad boy up with some garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got yourself a true Italian feast. Mangia!