Baked Penne with Italian Sausage – Cheesy, Hearty & Irresistibly
This Baked Penne with Italian Sausage is a hearty pasta dish made with al dente penne, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce. It’s layered with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The sausage adds bold flavor while the cheese creates a creamy texture. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Easy to customize with vegetables or spice levels. A comforting, satisfying, and classic baked pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 300g penne pasta
- 250g Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Use good-quality sausage for best flavor.
- Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms if desired.
- Cheese blend can be customized.
- Let it rest before serving for easier slicing.
- Adjust spice level with chili flakes.
- Fresh herbs enhance presentation and taste.