Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty pasta dish straight from the oven, especially when it’s a warm, cheesy Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole. This dish brings layers of rich flavors together, with tender pasta, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese that gets beautifully bubbly in the oven. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, providing comfort and satisfaction with every cheesy bite.
Table of Contents
I fondly remember the first time I made this delightful dish, gathering friends around my kitchen table and reveling in the savory aroma that filled my home. There’s something incredibly inviting about digging into a bubbling casserole, making this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser. Not only does it satisfy cravings, but it’s also easy on the wallet and quick to prepare. Is there anything better than a home-cooked meal that feels fancy without the fuss? I can’t think of one. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, this is a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, bubbly cheese atop a vibrant red sauce makes this dish a hit at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a comforting dinner, a party dish, or meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute whole grain pasta or low-fat cheese to fit various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz medium pasta shells: Opt for medium-sized shells for optimal sauce adherence and a wonderful texture.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor, though any cooking oil works!
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds robust flavor—use minced from a jar in a pinch.
- ½ cup shallots, minced: Shallots bring a mild sweetness; you can also use a yellow onion if desired.
- 12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: Choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage for depth; turkey sausage is a lighter alternative.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes or even make your own from fresh, cooked tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that enhances sauce richness—store any leftovers in the freezer.
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Counteracts acidity from the tomatoes for a balanced flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to taste if you prefer—it’s essential for flavor enhancement.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground gives a better flavor profile than pre-ground.
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese (small curds): Adds creaminess and protein; ricotta is a good substitute for a richer texture.
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully; be sure to pat it dry to prevent excess moisture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that iconic stretchy cheese topping that holds the casserole together.
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish; it’s optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Cook pasta: Prepare the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente—this typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain them and set aside to cool while you prepare the sauce.
Make sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Once warm, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add in the 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns—cook until no longer pink. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Simmer: Stir in your 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then let the sauce cool for 15 minutes.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta shells, the cool tomato sauce, ¾ cup of cottage cheese, and the mozzarella cheese cubes. Toss everything together until well mixed and transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Finally, sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that glorious melty topping.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch, broil the casserole for 30-45 seconds until the top is golden—just keep an eye on it! Once done, allow it to stand for 5-8 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an inviting finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for a couple of hours, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of marinara or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating can help refresh the dish without losing its charm.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be just under al dente since it will bake further in the oven.
- If the sauce seems too thick after simmering, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- For a creamier bake, mix an extra layer of cottage cheese or ricotta on top before adding mozzarella.
- Use kitchen shears to chop the parsley directly into the dish for minimal cleanup!
- Consider preparing the casserole a day ahead; it matures and tastes even better the next day.
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bubbling dish of pasta that calls to friends and family alike. This Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is versatile, delicious, and easy enough for any evening, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Feel free to dabble with seasonings and ingredients as you discover what flavors resonate with your palate. Enjoy each moment of assembling and savoring this comforting dish; it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will start cold.
How do I make it vegetarian?
You can easily leave out the Italian sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms for hearty flavors. You may also find plant-based sausage alternatives to mix in for a similar taste!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad and some garlic bread make great companion dishes. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole offers an irresistible combination of flavors with Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this simple dish is sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil, or cooking oil of choice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, (or onions) minced
- 12 oz italian sausage, removed from casing
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces; drain excess fat.
- In the same pot, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, kosher salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, cooled sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Broil for 30-45 seconds to brown the top. Allow to stand for 5-8 minutes before serving, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage to lighten the dish.
If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
