Name: Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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If you’re craving the ultimate cozy dinner, the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake is pure comfort in a casserole dish. This dish features perfectly cooked penne pasta joined with zesty Italian sausage, all blanketed in a luscious marinara sauce and three types of melty cheese. Every forkful delivers hearty flavors and gooey, cheesy goodness that just begs to be shared with family or friends. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special potluck, this Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake will quickly become your new favorite satisfying staple.

Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple—each ingredient here is chosen not just for convenience, but for the way it balances taste and texture. These pantry basics and fresh staples come together to make your Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake truly irresistible.

Penne Pasta: Its hollow shape and ridges are perfect for catching all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
Olive Oil: A drizzle brings out richness and helps brown your sausage just right.
Italian Sausage (casings removed): This is the flavor backbone—choose mild, spicy, pork, or turkey to make it your own.
Onion: Diced small, it adds gentle sweetness and savory depth to each bite.
Garlic: Three cloves give a warm, aromatic kick; don’t skimp!
Marinara Sauce: Go with your favorite jarred variety for quick prep and tangy tomato flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon boosts classic herby goodness throughout the casserole.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat, sprinkle in—but it’s totally fine to leave out for milder palates.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy pockets of ricotta bring soft richness and a lovely contrast to melty mozzarella.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The main cheese layer—stretchy, melty, and absolutely essential on top.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing sprinkle of savory, nutty flavor and golden color after baking.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): These herbs add a pop of color and freshness for serving.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente. Don’t overcook it! The noodles will finish baking in the oven and you want them to hold their shape. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (with casings removed) and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and thoroughly cooked through, giving your Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake its signature savory flavor base.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with your sausage. Sauté everything together for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes slightly translucent. This step weaves plenty of aroma and extra flavor throughout the dish.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a hint of heat). Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This briefly thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to mingle before baking.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Ricotta

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese. Give it all a gentle but thorough toss so every piece is coated and there are creamy ricotta pockets throughout, defining the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake’s irresistible texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, for the best part: scatter shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This cheesy blanket is where all the magic (and golden color) happens in the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Pop your assembled bake into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes once out of the oven—this makes serving easier and allows the flavors to settle.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley gives your Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake that final fresh touch and pop of color. Even a pinch of extra Parmesan right before serving never hurts!

Side Dishes

Pair your penne bake with a crisp green salad and a basket of garlic bread or soft rolls. Roasted or sautéed veggies like broccoli or zucchini make delicious, wholesome companions, adding balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve family-style straight from the baking dish at the center of the table. For a fun twist, garnish with mini mozzarella balls or serve alongside a trio of sauces for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake cool to room temperature. Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days—lunches never looked so good!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble (but don’t bake) in a freezer-safe dish, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual servings, but cover for even heating and to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Just make sure it’s cooked through and seasoned to your liking.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta; all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just watch your pasta cook time closely for best texture.

How can I add more veggies to my Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake?

Stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers right into the sausage mixture before assembling. It’s a great way to boost color and nutrition without fuss.

Can I assemble this in advance?

Yes! Put everything together (except the final cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate a day ahead. Add the cheese just before baking for the very best melting and bubbling effect.

What cheeses work best if I want to mix things up?

Try swapping in provolone, fontina, or gouda for mozzarella, or add a bit of goat cheese to the ricotta. Each cheese brings its own delicious personality to your cheesy sausage penne bake!

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table with big smiles. If you haven’t tried a Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake before, I can’t recommend it enough—easy, heartwarming, and incredibly delicious. Make it tonight and share the love with your favorite people!

Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake. A hearty and flavorful pasta dish loaded with Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a trio of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Sausage Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Mixture:

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Sausage Mixture: Brown Italian sausage in olive oil, add onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara, seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake for 20–25 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest before serving, garnish with basil or parsley if desired.