Penne Sausage Bake Recipe
The Penne Sausage Bake is a comforting and hearty dish, combining the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy indulgence of melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is designed to bring joy and satisfaction to your dining table with a minimal amount of fuss and a whole lot of flavor.
Recipe Overview
Name: Penne Sausage Bake
Total Time: 50 Minutes
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Description: This recipe uses bulk Italian sausage to create a rich and savory pasta bake. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Your feedback is highly appreciated.
Category: Penne
Keywords: Pork, Poultry, Meat, Under 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients
For a Penne Sausage Bake that serves approximately 9 people, you will need:
- 1 package of penne pasta (about 16 ounces or 450 grams)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 jars of spaghetti sauce (about 36 ounces or 1 kilogram)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 331.8 kcal
- Fat: 11.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 41.1 mg
- Sodium: 580.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
- Fiber: 6.1 g
- Sugar: 2.1 g
- Protein: 15.5 g
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook during the baking process. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sausage and Onion:
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes or until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
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Cook the Sausage:
- Add the bulk Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook and stir until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce until well combined.
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Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cooked pasta into a 3-quart baking dish that has been coated with non-stick spray. Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the pasta and mix gently to combine.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Add Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Let the Penne Sausage Bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best experience!
Tips & Variations
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Adding Vegetables: For a more nutrient-packed version, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the onion before adding the sausage.
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Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
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Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
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Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your sausage and spaghetti sauce are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Your Experience
As you prepare and enjoy this Penne Sausage Bake, I would love to hear your thoughts. Did you make any tweaks or additions? How did your family enjoy it? Your feedback is not only valuable but helps in creating and perfecting future recipes.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or additional feedback on this recipe. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Absolutely! If using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice or crumble it and add it to the sauce, skipping the step where the sausage is browned.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium content?
A: To lower the sodium content, opt for low-sodium spaghetti sauce and use sausage that is lower in sodium or less seasoned.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) Penne Sausage Bake. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This Penne Sausage Bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread. A glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon can also complement the meal.
This Penne Sausage Bake recipe aims to provide a satisfying and enjoyable meal with minimal effort. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and happy cooking!
