Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
A comforting and cheesy Italian casserole that brings warmth to your table.
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking pasta.
- Large Pan For sautéing sausage and sauce.
- 9x13 baking dish For baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage Casings removed if needed
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 24-oz jars marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Tip: Cook the pasta slightly under to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and fresh basil, scraping the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer 3/4 of the meat sauce to the pot with the cooked pasta, mixing until well coated. Place the mixture in a 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread ricotta over the pasta, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese melts. Uncover and broil on high for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Notes
For a twist, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.