There’s something magical about a bubbling, cheesy baked pasta dish coming out of the oven, isn’t there? This Baked Penne with Sausage & Ricotta is pure comfort food at its best. It’s the dish I pull out when I want to impress with minimal effort or when I’m craving a cozy night in. The way the creamy ricotta blends with the hearty sausage and gooey mozzarella—*chef’s kiss*! Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. 🍝
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked penne is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry already.
- Customizable: Swap out the sausage for veggies, or use gluten-free pasta—there are endless possibilities.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal preps, gatherings, or freezing for a rainy day.
- Wow-Worthy Presentation: That golden, cheesy crust is made for Pinterest-worthy pics. 📸
Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Penne
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 1 pound penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Substitution Tip: No Italian sausage? Ground turkey, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms make great swaps. Gluten-free or whole wheat penne also work beautifully!
How to Make Baked Penne with Sausage & Ricotta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, sausage sauce, and ricotta cheese. Stir until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens—don’t skimp on the cheese!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.
Pro Tips & Delicious Variations
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sausage sauce before mixing.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Add dollops of burrata on top before baking for an extra indulgent twist.
Pin-worthy Tip: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color that makes your dish look as good as it tastes. 🌿
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread. For a cozy night in, serve with a glass of red wine for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Perfect Presentation
To capture the best photos, bake your penne in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic dish. The golden, bubbly cheese topping will steal the show! Snap photos near natural light and sprinkle some fresh basil on top for that final touch of color.
FAQ: Common Questions About Baked Penne
Can I freeze baked penne?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’re out of ricotta, try cottage cheese or mascarpone. You can also mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Now it’s your turn to make this Ultimate Baked Penne with Sausage & Ricotta! Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to snap a picture of your masterpiece. Happy cooking!