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

Description

Enjoy a delicious Baked Penne filled with cheesy goodness and Italian sausage. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Cook pasta by preparing pasta shells to al dente according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring often. Then, add sausage and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooled sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Toss well and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts. Broil for 30-45 seconds to brown the top. Let stand for 5-8 minutes before serving, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more cheese for extra creaminess.
For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with mushrooms or additional vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg