Description
Looking for the best baked penne with sausage recipe? This one is quick, easy, cheesy, and hearty perfect for healthy weeknight dinners! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping, this creamy baked pasta is one of the best ideas to try!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add sausage, cook until browned. Break into crumbles.
- Stir in marinara, cream, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 mins.
- Mix pasta with sauce and half of each cheese.
- Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Add spinach or roasted vegetables to boost nutrition.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
- Freeze unbaked for a future meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg