Craving a mouthwatering meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, perfectly cooked penne, and a cheesy, bubbling topping! This Penne and Sausage Casserole is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that promises to become your new go-to recipe for satisfying hunger and impressing dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage and tomato mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta and sausage mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even layer of cheese covers the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Penne and Sausage Casserole!
Tips
- To make this Penne and Sausage Casserole absolutely perfect, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor – the spicier, the better!
- Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture in your final dish.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a more authentic and melty result.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste just as delicious when reheated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
