Name: Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz medium pasta shells; 2 teaspoon olive oil, or cooking oil of choice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup shallots, 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

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Cheesy Baked Pasta with Italian Sausage is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, savory sauce made with Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and cheese creates a satisfaction that’s hard to beat. Each bite offers the kind of hearty textures and bold flavors that make it a go-to meal for families and friends alike. It’s the sort of dish that not only fills you up but also fills your home with a delightful aroma, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a gathering with friends, where everyone was tasked with bringing a dish to share. With limited time and a love for pasta, I decided to whip up this cheesy delight. The very first bite had everyone asking for more, solidifying its place in my recipe repertoire. If you’re searching for an easy, budget-friendly, and truly delicious meal, Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is just what you need. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to prepare a dish that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It takes just 15 minutes to prep and about 50 minutes to bake, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The sausage adds depth while the melted cheeses create a creamy, satisfying texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This bubbling casserole comes out of the oven golden and cheesy—perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: At family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dish fits the bill for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few adjustments, such as using turkey sausage or gluten-free pasta, this meal can cater to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz medium pasta shells: These serve as the hearty base for your casserole; you can substitute with penne or rigatoni for a different shape.
2 teaspoons olive oil: This helps sauté the garlic and shallots, giving a nice flavor base. Feel free to use any cooking oil you have on hand.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic flavor; pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.
½ cup shallots, minced: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor. You can swap with cooking onions if needed.
12 oz Italian sausage: Sweet or spicy, it gives your dish a robust taste. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Adds richness and moisture. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra kick.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor—don’t skip it!
1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes; feel free to adjust to your personal taste.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust based on your dietary needs.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground adds a bit of heat and enhances taste.
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, this is a fantastic addition.
¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Provides creaminess without being too heavy—ricotta works too if preferred.
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully and adds texture to your dish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This goes on top and creates the delicious cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Chopped Italian parsley for garnish: A fresh finish that adds color and a subtle herb hint.

How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole

Cook pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add 8 oz medium pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Make sauce: In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the shallots are softened and fragrant. Next, add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it apart into small pieces. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, and then drain any excess fat.

Simmer: After the sausage is browned, stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This is the time to taste and adjust seasoning. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.

Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the cooled sauce, ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese, and 6 oz cubed mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake: Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. For that perfect golden top, broil for an additional 30-45 seconds, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, let it stand for 5-8 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Storing & Reheating

Should you find yourself with leftovers, Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a later date, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that textures might change slightly after freezing, but refreshing with a sprinkle of mozzarella while reheating helps keep it creamy!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is key as it will continue to cook in the oven.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
For added flavor, incorporate ingredients like spinach or mushrooms into the sauce.
Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it set, making serving easier.
Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients to suit your taste—add more cheese or even some vegetables for a different twist!

This dish strikes a balance between comfort and convenience, making it a staple in any home. As you enjoy preparing it, feel free to play around with different ingredients, experimenting with flavors to find your perfect fit. The joy of cooking lies in the creativity, so don’t shy away from making it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells are delicious, you can easily substitute them with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties to suit your preferences.

What can I do if I don’t like cottage cheese?

If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute. Alternatively, skip the cottage cheese altogether and add extra mozzarella to maintain the cheesy goodness.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

You’ll know your casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to slightly brown. A gentle shake of the dish will show you if it’s set!