Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Penne Bake
This delightful Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Penne Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners. The sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash blends harmoniously with Italian sausage, while the rich blend of tangy cheeses and creamy sauce creates a smooth and satisfying texture. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies for the whole family. Ideal for gatherings, leftovers are even better the next day, making it a win-win recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
white onion
1 cup (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
6 large (roasted and mashed)
butternut squash
1 1/2 cups (cooked and mashed (frozen or fresh))
Ragú® Pasta Sauce
2 (16 ounce) jars (cheesy parmesan pasta sauce with roasted garlic)
dried basil
2 teaspoons
white pepper
2 teaspoons
goat cheese
8 ounces
penne pasta
12 ounces (slightly undercooked)
shredded Italian cheese
2 cups (divided)
Italian sausage
1 lb
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
garlic and herb breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this penne bake?
This dish features a comforting blend of sweet, nutty roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, tangy cheese sauce.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of penne pasta, which should be slightly undercooked before baking.
How is the butternut squash prepared for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of butternut squash that has been cooked and mashed; you can use either fresh or frozen squash.
What specific pasta sauce is recommended?
The recipe uses two 16-ounce jars of Ragú Cheesy Parmesan Pasta Sauce with Roasted Garlic.
What kind of sausage is included?
The recipe requires 1 lb of Italian sausage.
Which cheeses are used in this bake?
The dish uses goat cheese, shredded Italian cheese, and grated parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 6 large garlic cloves, which should be roasted and mashed.
What kind of onion is used?
One cup of chopped white onion is used in this recipe.
What is the topping made of?
The crispy topping consists of garlic and herb breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted unsalted butter.
How much goat cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of goat cheese to add a tangy creaminess to the sauce.
What spices are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried basil and 2 teaspoons of white pepper.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a wonderful way to sneak in vegetables like butternut squash for the whole family.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen cooked and mashed butternut squash works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I ensure the topping is golden and crispy?
Mixing the breadcrumbs and parmesan with 3 tablespoons of melted butter before baking creates a golden crust.
How much shredded Italian cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded Italian cheese, which should be divided during the assembly process.
Why should the penne be slightly undercooked?
Undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn't become mushy when it continues to cook in the sauce while baking in the oven.
Are leftovers good for this dish?
Yes, the recipe notes that leftovers are even better the next day.
What oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Is there white pepper in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of white pepper are used for seasoning.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I buy?
Garlic and herb breadcrumbs are recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for the topping.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a casserole or pasta bake.
Is this a healthy option?
While it is a rich comfort food, it is tagged as healthy due to the inclusion of vegetables like butternut squash.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish has a smooth, creamy texture with a golden, crispy crust.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of the mashed squash.
Is the garlic used raw?
No, the 6 garlic cloves should be roasted and mashed before being added to the sauce.
What type of parmesan is in the topping?
Grated parmesan cheese is used to create the crunchy topping.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for gatherings and family dinners.
Does this recipe include any herbs?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
How many jars of sauce are needed?
You will need two 16-ounce jars of pasta sauce.