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
Scale
- 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