Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

This Italian sausage penne casserole is rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its cheesy goodness and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish will impress your loved ones and leave them wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 80 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a swift dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this casserole will satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it caters to various occasions and tastes.
• Cheesy Goodness: The melted mozzarella cheese creates a delightful topping that everyone will love.
• Easy Cleanup: With one skillet and a casserole dish, cleanup is a breeze after enjoying this delicious meal.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Italian sausage penne casserole efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Casserole dish (3 quart)
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for cooking the sausage and sautéing vegetables evenly, ensuring great flavor.
• Casserole dish: Ideal for baking the assembled casserole, providing even heat distribution for perfectly melted cheese.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 16 oz box Penne pasta

Sausage

• 2 lb Hot Italian Sausage (can use sweet or mild Italian)

Cheese

• 24 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

Canned Goods & Spices

• 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 casing from the sausage links.
Add the sausage to a large skillet.
Crumble it as you cook over medium heat until fully browned.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the sausage is cooked:
Drain excess grease from the skillet but reserve about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the reserved grease.
Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Combine Vegetables with Sausage

To the skillet with onions and garlic:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes.
Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let it cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet:
Bring everything to a boil.
Cover and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

While the sauce simmers:
Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water before placing it back in its pot.

Step 7: Mix Ingredients Together

In the pot with pasta:
Add your sausage mixture from the skillet.
Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese until it’s well-combined and melted.

Step 8: Assemble Casserole

In your prepared casserole dish:
1. Place half of the meat-and-pasta mixture into it.
2. Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese.
3. Add remaining meat-and-pasta mixture on top.
4. Finish with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Bake Casserole

Cover your casserole dish with foil:
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
2. If desired, remove foil and bake an additional few minutes to brown cheese further.

Step 10: Serve

Enjoy your delicious Italian sausage penne casserole hot! Serve alongside salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Serving Italian sausage penne casserole is simple yet rewarding. This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience.

With a Fresh Salad

• A crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.
• Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.

Garlic Bread Delight

• Serve warm garlic bread alongside your casserole for that perfect crunch.
• The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the cheesy goodness of the casserole.

Pair with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables enhance the meal with added nutrients and flavors.
• Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
• This not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.

Offer Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Providing grated Parmesan allows guests to customize their plates.
• The nutty flavor of Parmesan pairs beautifully with the Italian sausage.

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How to Perfect Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Perfecting your Italian sausage penne casserole can make it even more enjoyable. Follow these tips for a delightful dish every time!

• Use quality sausage: Choosing high-quality hot or mild Italian sausage will greatly enhance the flavor of your casserole.
• Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook the penne just until al dente for the best texture once baked.
• Layer cheese thoughtfully: For maximum cheesy goodness, layer half of the mozzarella into the pasta mixture and sprinkle more on top before baking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before mixing in pasta; adjust basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to suit your preference.
• Experiment with veggies: Add diced bell peppers or spinach into your sauce for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps set it up for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Pairing sides with your Italian sausage penne casserole can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing offers a satisfying crunch.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious option that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a flavorful starter that everyone loves.
4. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Simple roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs add a comforting element to your meal.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers variety and excitement to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian sausage penne casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong sausage: Always choose the type of Italian sausage that suits your taste. Hot, sweet, or mild all change the flavor profile.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the penne too long will lead to mushy results. Aim for al dente and remember it will cook further in the oven.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your dish properly can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs for a delicious outcome.
• Not draining the grease: Leaving too much grease from the sausage can make your casserole oily. Drain well and reserve just enough for sautéing.
• Neglecting cheese layers: Skimping on cheese can make your casserole less appealing. Use plenty of mozzarella to achieve that gooey, cheesy finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Italian sausage penne casserole.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While penne is ideal, you can substitute with rigatoni or ziti for a similar texture.

What sides pair well with Italian Sausage Penne Casserole?

A fresh salad or garlic bread complements this dish beautifully, enhancing its savory flavors.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage for a delicious vegetarian version of this casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge overnight before baking it when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Italian sausage penne casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want more veggies or different cheeses. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!