Cheesy Baked Penne with Savory Italian Sausage
Indulge in this hearty Cheesy Baked Penne with Savory Italian Sausage, a comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Bursting with flavor, this dish combines tender penne pasta with flavorful Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, sure to please both kids and adults alike. Serve it hot from the oven for a meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
6
Servings
403
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry penne pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
mild Italian sausage
1 pound (casings removed)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
white wine
1/2 cup (dry)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
diced tomatoes with garlic
14 1/2 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3
In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the mild Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate the flavors. Cook for about 1 minute.
5
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage and tomato sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
7
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
44g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Penne with Savory Italian Sausage?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines tender penne pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 403 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne in salted boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of mild Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How much onion should I add?
You will need 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
Why is white wine used in the recipe?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flavors from the browned sausage and onions.
How much white wine is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
What canned tomato products are needed?
You will need 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes with garlic, and 6 ounces of tomato paste.
How much mozzarella cheese is used for the topping?
Use 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to top the dish.
How long does the sausage and onion mixture take to cook?
Cook them over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is browned.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Allow the sauce mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake the assembled penne for 20 minutes.
How do I know when the baked penne is finished?
The dish is ready when the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 16 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 44 grams of carbohydrates.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of olive oil are used for cooking.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, once the sausage is browned, you should drain any excess fat before adding the wine.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Can this meal be served to children?
Yes, the recipe is described as a family-friendly meal that pleases both kids and adults.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What are the main flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include pasta, one dish meal, baked pasta, Italian sausage, cheesy, and comfort food.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of canned tomato paste.
Is the pasta cooked before it goes into the oven?
Yes, the penne is boiled according to package directions before being mixed with the sauce.
What tool should be used to break up the sausage?
A wooden spoon is recommended for breaking up the sausage while it browns.
How is the baking dish prepared?
The 9x13 inch baking dish should be greased before adding the pasta mixture.
What makes the sauce rich?
The combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a thick and rich sauce.