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, (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

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Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is a warm embrace on a chilly night, filled with cheesy goodness and rich flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Picture a symphony of medium pasta shells lovingly tossed with sautéed garlic, shallots, and zesty Italian sausage, all coated in a robust tomato sauce. It’s a delightfully simple dish that lets every bite tell its own story, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

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 delightful cheesy baked pasta dish while searching for a hearty dinner option that wouldn’t break the bank. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had found a gem. Not only is it easy on the pocket, but it also satiates those cravings for comfort food without requiring hours in the kitchen. This Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole is the answer to all your “What’s for dinner?” dilemmas. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it on your regular meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just about an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sausage and spiced tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Layers of golden, bubbling cheese make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: It’s great for a family meal or a gathering with friends—everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap Italian sausage for chicken or a plant-based option for a lighter take.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz medium pasta shells: These have the perfect shape to hold onto sauce. You could substitute with penne or rigatoni if needed.
2 teaspoons olive oil: This will sauté your aromatic vegetables. Feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic packs in that savory flavor. If in a rush, jarred minced garlic will work as a substitute.
½ cup shallots, minced: For a sweeter, mellower onion flavor. You can swap with yellow onion in a pinch.
12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: This adds richness and spice; turkey sausage is a leaner alternative.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The foundation of your sauce, look for quality brands for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor. If you don’t have any, you can add extra crushed tomatoes, but the texture may vary slightly.
1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, adjust to taste as needed.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: This adds warmth; you can increase if you prefer more heat.
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional: Sprinkle in as much as you desire for extra kick.
¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: This offers creaminess without overwhelming calories. Ricotta works too, if you fancy it!
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture. Use fresh mozzarella for a more decadent option.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that golden topping; feel free to mix in other cheeses like parmesan for added depth.
Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish: A fresh sprinkle to brighten up your dish.

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

Cook Pasta: Prepare the 8 oz medium pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set it aside to cool for a bit. This ensures your shells won’t overcook later in the baking process, keeping that perfect bite.

Make Sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add in the minced garlic and shallots, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Crumble the 12 oz Italian sausage into the pot, cooking until browned. Be sure to stir often, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, and drain any excess fat once browned.

Simmer: Now, add in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of 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 you’d like some heat. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully. Afterward, let it cool for 15 minutes.

Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta shells, your delicious sauce, ¾ cup of small curds cottage cheese, and the cubes of mozzarella. Toss everything gently to coat, ensuring every piece is enveloped in that marvelous sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top it off with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. For that irresistible brown topping, you can broil it for another 30-45 seconds—watch closely to avoid burning! Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5-8 minutes before serving. Sprinkle some chopped Italian parsley over the top for that lovely finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let the baked penne cool completely before storing. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours and be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but adding a splash of water can help revitalizing it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; al dente is key here.
Let your sauce cool before mixing with the cheese; it helps maintain the creaminess.
Experiment with cheese—mix in provolone or fontina for an Italian twist.
If you prefer a crunch on top, mix some breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle on before baking.
For enhanced flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.

Every family needs a go-to recipe that can be relied on for those bustling weeknights or lazy Sundays. This Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole ticks all the boxes—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! I encourage you to play around with the ingredients or serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread on the side. Whatever your heart desires, this dish is here to cater to your cravings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this baked penne in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator (unbaked) for up to a day. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

If you want a lighter version, turkey sausage is a fantastic option without sacrificing flavor. For a vegetarian take, consider using a plant-based sausage or mushrooms to replicate that hearty texture and taste.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with a mix of cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or anything that melts well. Just keep in mind that changing the cheese might alter the overall flavor profile a bit.

How do I know when the pasta is ready?

Look for your pasta shells to have a slight bite to them, or “al dente,” which means they are cooked through but still firm. This ensures they will soak up the sauce without becoming mushy after baking.