Why Baked Penne with Sausage?
Baked pasta dishes are loved for their simplicity and flavor-packed layers. Penne pasta is a versatile choice because it holds sauces well and retains its texture after baking. The sausage adds a robust, slightly spicy kick, while the melted cheese creates the perfect topping for a golden, bubbly crust. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also ideal for leftovers.
Baked penne with sausage is also highly adaptable. You can customize it by adjusting the level of spiciness, experimenting with different cheeses, or even adding vegetables. It’s a wonderful dish for busy weeknights or for serving at casual dinners.
Ingredients for Baked Penne with Sausage
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
Penne pasta: 12 oz (about 340 grams)
Italian sausage: 1 pound (450 grams) – you can choose mild, sweet, or spicy, depending on your preference
Marinara or tomato sauce: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional for extra spice)
Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
Salt and pepper: to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Bell peppers: diced, for a bit of sweetness
Spinach: fresh or frozen, for added greens
Mushrooms: sliced, for an earthy flavor
Ricotta cheese: ½ cup, for a creamier texture
Step-by-Step Recipe for Baked Penne with Sausage
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's dive into the cooking process. This recipe is straightforward and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including baking time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray, and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, it’s important not to overcook it at this stage. Drain the pasta, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings if using links, and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns, until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving any rendered fat in the pan. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. If you want extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 5: Combine Sausage with Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in your marinara or tomato sauce, stirring to combine everything. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the sausage sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. You can also add optional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers at this stage.
Step 7: Layer the Cheese
Transfer half of the pasta and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, then finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once the baked penne with sausage is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Serve the dish warm, with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Penne with Sausage
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best results:
Undercook the pasta slightly: As mentioned earlier, since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercooking it will prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use quality sausage: The sausage is the star of this dish, so choose a good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of sausage, like chicken or turkey sausage, for a lighter version.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Cover and store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, just pop it into the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Add veggies: If you want to boost the nutrition of the dish, adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini is a great idea. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic before mixing them into the pasta.
Try different cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can mix things up by adding some provolone, fontina, or even ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
Variations of Baked Penne with Sausage
There are endless ways to customize baked penne with sausage to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy version: If you like heat, use hot Italian sausage, and add extra red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Creamy version: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or ricotta cheese to the sauce before combining it with the pasta for a rich and creamy texture.
Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage and use a plant-based meat substitute or simply increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty, meatless version.
Serving Suggestions
Baked penne with sausage is a filling dish on its own, but pairing it with a few side dishes can make it an even more satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:
Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread complements the flavors of the baked pasta perfectly.
Green salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Roasted vegetables: If you didn’t add vegetables to the pasta, serve it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion
Baked penne with sausage is a warm, satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized in countless ways. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this baked pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up some comfort food.
Enjoy!
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