Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is one of those heartwarming dishes that brings comfort with every bite. Just picture a bubbling casserole, rich with Italian sausage, covered in melty cheese, and filled with tender pasta shells. Each spoonful is a cozy reminder of home, ideal for family dinners or a casual get-together with friends. The comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen creates an inviting atmosphere, one that’s hard to resist.
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When I first made this dish, it felt like discovering a hidden treasure in my recipe collection. The combination of savory Italian sausage and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese creates a flavor profile that’s truly unbeatable. Plus, this Baked Penne is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to whip up, making it an excellent choice for those weeknight dinners when you want something special without too much effort. I’m excited to share this recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep time is just 15 minutes, and in under an hour, a delightful meal is served.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of Italian sausage and melted mozzarella makes for a rich, savory taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, bubbling cheese on top is sure to impress guests and family alike.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or festive parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt by using whole wheat pasta or dairy-free cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz medium pasta shells: These create a lovely bite-sized shape, perfect for holding sauce. If you don’t have shells, feel free to use penne or rigatoni instead.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute with any cooking oil you have on hand.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: This gives a pungent, aromatic kick to the dish. Freshly minced is best!
- ½ cup shallots, minced (or onions): Shallots bring a mildly sweet flavor. Onions are a good substitute if needed.
- 12 oz Italian sausage: Adds depth and heartiness. You can use chicken sausage or even a vegetarian version for a lighter option.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce. Look for high-quality, unsalted varieties for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the sauce.
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. You can skip this if you prefer.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust more to taste.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, this is a great addition.
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Gives a creamy texture while keeping calories in check. Ricotta can be used as an alternative.
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully, offering a gooey texture. Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness on top.
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish: This not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Fresh basil is an excellent choice too.
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Cook pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of medium pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and let it cool for a minute.
Make sauce: In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often. Next, add in 12 oz of Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat afterwards for a cleaner flavor.
Simmer: It’s time to transform this into a sauce. Add in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If you enjoy a little spice, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes too. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully. Afterward, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the cooled sauce, ¾ cup of low-fat cottage cheese, and 6 oz of cubed mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until well mixed. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly, and then top it with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Now it’s time for the oven magic! Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you want that gorgeous golden brown top, set the oven to broil for 30-45 seconds, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once done, let the casserole stand for 5-8 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Storing & Reheating
You can store any leftovers at room temperature for a couple of hours, but it’s best to refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, but be aware that the texture may change slightly. A splash of water can help refresh it and prevent drying out.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; you want it al dente since it will continue to cook while baking.
- If using frozen sausage, make sure to fully thaw before cooking.
- Don’t be shy with seasonings; always taste your sauce as it simmers.
- For an extra cheesy experience, add more mozzarella or other cheeses of your choice.
- This dish can be prepped a day ahead; just assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- If you have picky eaters, consider swapping out the sausage with ground turkey or beef for different flavors.
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. This dish has all the elements you’re looking for: it’s comforting, flavorful, and a total winner at the dinner table. Make sure to gather your ingredients and enjoy creating a sumptuous meal that the whole family will love. I can’t wait for you to try it, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just remember to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken sausage works well. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based sausage or beans to maintain the hearty texture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this baked pasta casserole. Simply let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are various options available now that mimic the texture well. Just remember to follow the package instructions, as cooking times may vary.
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Penne is a delightful dish that combines chewy pasta shells, savory Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, this casserole is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil, or cooking oil of choice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, (or onions) 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, (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let them cool.
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the sausage, stirring until browned while breaking it into small pieces. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the cooled sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Combine well, then transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. For a golden top, broil for 30-45 seconds. Allow to rest for 5-8 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use your favorite pasta shape instead of medium shells if desired.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
