Imagine a dish that combines the perfect blend of hearty pasta, smoky sausage, and gooey melted cheese - a meal that will have your family fighting for seconds and begging for the recipe! This Baked Penne with Smoked Sausage is not just another pasta dish; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll make you the hero of dinnertime. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the sausage slices, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a slight golden color.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta, browned sausage slices, and marinara sauce. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the pasta mixture, stirring to incorporate the herbs thoroughly.
- Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage across the dish.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella layer for additional flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your penne just until al dente - it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to avoid mushy pasta.
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor. Brands like Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville work great, but feel free to experiment with spicy or mild varieties.
- Cheese Matters: For the best melting results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged. It melts more smoothly and has a superior flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to add some red pepper flakes or fresh garlic to the marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Crispy Cheese Tip: For a more golden, crispy cheese top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking - but watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
