Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
This Italian sausage penne casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish offers a hearty and comforting meal that everyone will love. With its rich cheese and savory sausage, it’s not just easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Plus, it showcases how simple ingredients can create a standout meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of pasta and sausage ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences, such as using sweet or mild Italian sausage.
- Cheesy Goodness: With generous amounts of mozzarella, every bite is gooey and flavorful.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is required since most of the cooking takes place in one skillet.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Casserole dish (3 quart)
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables efficiently in one pan.
- Casserole dish: Perfectly sized for baking your Italian sausage penne casserole, ensuring even cooking.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Necessary for preparing the penne al dente before mixing it with other ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Casserole
- 16 oz box Penne pasta
- 2 lb Hot Italian Sausage, (can use sweet or mild Italian)
- 24 oz mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
- 1 medium onion, (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic, (minced)
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1½ tsp basil
- 1½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, (to taste)
How to Make Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Remove the sausage from its casing.
- Add it to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Crumble the sausage as it cooks until it’s fully browned.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Drain the grease from the cooked sausage, reserving about 2 tablespoons.
- Return 2 tablespoons of grease to the skillet.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet with onions and garlic.
- Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for approximately 20–30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Prepare Pasta
Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and place back in the pan.
Step 7: Mix It All Together
- Add the sausage mixture to the pan with pasta.
- Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
Step 8: Assemble Casserole
- Place half of the meat and pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top before adding the remaining meat and pasta mixture followed by more cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake until cheese is bubbly and heated through, approximately 30 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Remove foil if you wish to brown up your cheese further. Serve hot alongside salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
This Italian sausage penne casserole is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can easily create a complete meal by pairing it with various sides that complement its rich flavors.
With a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a variety of greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese enhances the meal.
Accompanying Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy delight.
Adding Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli adds a healthy crunch and balances the richness of the casserole.
- Mixed Roasted Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots roasted until caramelized makes an excellent side.
For a Comforting Touch
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes serve as a comforting side that pairs well with the casserole.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast to the hearty dish.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
To achieve the best results with your Italian sausage penne casserole, consider these simple tips that will elevate your cooking experience.
- Choose Quality Sausage: Using high-quality Italian sausage will enhance flavor significantly. Opt for fresh over frozen when possible.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta just until firm ensures it doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.
- Layer Cheese Generously: Don’t be shy with the mozzarella! Layering cheese throughout gives you that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set, making serving easier.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for added flavor and color.
- Consider Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Pairing your Italian sausage penne casserole with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for sopping up any sauce left on your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing touch.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled to perfection adds elegance and health benefits to your meal.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a luscious side that matches well with the flavors of your casserole.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini noodles sautéed in olive oil offer a low-carb alternative.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables complement the hearty nature of the casserole while adding color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian sausage penne casserole, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Using the wrong type of sausage: Selecting a different type of sausage can drastically change the flavor. Stick with hot, sweet, or mild Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the penne pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Always aim for al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Not seasoning enough: Failing to properly season your dish can result in bland flavors. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and herbs generously.
- Skipping the grease reserve: Discarding all the sausage grease can rob your dish of richness. Reserve some for sautéing onions and garlic.
- Neglecting cheese layering: Not layering cheese properly can affect meltiness. Be sure to mix half into the pasta and sprinkle more on top for a cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap before sealing.
Reheating Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Italian Sausage Penne Casserole?
Italian sausage penne casserole is a baked pasta dish that combines flavorful ingredients like sausage, cheese, and tomatoes into one hearty meal.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While penne works great, feel free to substitute with any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni.
How do I customize my Italian Sausage Penne Casserole?
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different cheeses too!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Italian sausage penne casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes for an excellent family dinner and is perfect for gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Penne Casserole, a hearty dish that brings together rich mozzarella cheese, savory hot Italian sausage, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy-to-make casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will please everyone at your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious dinner that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. Each bite promises gooey cheese combined with robust flavors, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Penne pasta
- 2 lb Hot Italian Sausage (or sweet/mild)
- 24 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the reserved grease until translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sausage and simmer covered for 20–30 minutes.
- Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse.
- Combine the sausage mixture with the pasta, adding half of the mozzarella until melted.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the casserole dish, top with some mozzarella, then add the remaining pasta mixture followed by more mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
