Description
This hearty Baked Penne recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a flavorful Italian sausage and marinara sauce, enriched with cream and topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for a bubbly, golden baked finish. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines simple ingredients and classic Italian flavors in a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
Sauce & Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausages, crumbled
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 4.5 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the browned sausage. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld flavors. Then stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sausage marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly browned top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked penne from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious baked penne!
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley before serving enhances flavor and presentation.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly during baking.
